Met Office says Northern Lights could be visible across much of the UK
Heightened solar activity could push the aurora as far south as England and Wales, but officials warn cloud and light pollution will limit sightings
The Met Office said there is a "decent chance" the Northern Lights will be visible across much of the United Kingdom in the coming days, as heightened solar activity could push the aurora borealis further south than usual.
Forecasters cautioned that solar activity forecasts can change rapidly and that local conditions such as cloud cover and urban light pollution will have a major impact on the ability to see the display with the naked eye. The Met Office said those with clear, dark skies could be rewarded "with a rare and memorable display." BBC Weather echoed the assessment, saying the lights could be visible across much of England and Wales away from western coasts.
Northern Ireland and north-east Scotland have the best chance of clear spells for viewing, BBC Weather said, but the Met Office noted that the Midlands may have the most favourable skies in the evening because of lower cloud cover across that region. Officials advised the public to head away from city lights to improve visibility. For people who cannot find dark skies, using a smartphone in night mode can sometimes reveal auroral colours that are faint to the unaided eye.
The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles emitted by the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, producing visible light at high latitudes. Increased solar activity, such as coronal mass ejections or strong solar wind streams, can raise the likelihood of aurora appearing at lower latitudes than usual. Met Office and BBC Weather forecasts emphasised the provisional nature of the outlook and warned that conditions can shift quickly.
Observers seeking to view the phenomenon were urged to monitor updated space weather alerts and local cloud forecasts. Night-time cloud cover is expected to be widespread in many areas, which will reduce the chance of clear views for some observers. Where skies clear, remote and rural locations with minimal artificial lighting will offer the best prospects.
Meteorological agencies and broadcasters encouraged anyone hoping to watch the aurora to check real-time forecasts before travelling and to remain mindful of local safety guidelines when visiting dark or isolated locations. If the display materialises as forecast, it would offer a rare opportunity for people across much of the UK to see the aurora without traveling to the far north.