Northern Lights Illuminate Britain

Spectacular Light Show in UK

The first extreme geomagnetic storm in two decades created a spectacular light show in the UK. The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, were visible across the country, from Scotland to England. This was a rare opportunity to see the Northern Lights in the UK, as they are usually only visible in the far north of the country.

When and Where to See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field. These particles are drawn to the magnetic poles, which is why the Northern Lights are most commonly seen in the far north and south of the planet. However, during geomagnetic storms, the charged particles can travel further south, making the Northern Lights visible in more southerly latitudes.

The Northern Lights are most likely to be seen on clear nights, away from light pollution. The best time to see them is between September and March, when the nights are longer. To find out when the Northern Lights are likely to be visible in your area, you can check the Met Office website or download a Northern Lights app.

Missed the Northern Lights Last Night?

Don't worry if you missed the Northern Lights last night. There will be another opportunity to see them tonight. The geomagnetic storm is expected to continue for the next few days, so the Northern Lights are likely to be visible again tonight and tomorrow night.