Can I see the Northern Lights tonight?

715     0
Explained: What time they appear, best locations and an important phone trick
Explained: What time they appear, best locations and an important phone trick

THE Northern Lights dazzled the UK on Sunday night and even graced the skies above Kent, Dorset and Wiltshire in an unexpected display.

If you missed the bucket-list sighting, then you might have another chance at seeing them tonight, Monday, November 6.

The Northern Lights over Castlerigg stone circle in the Lake District, UK qhiddqiqrtiquhprw
The Northern Lights over Castlerigg stone circle in the Lake District, UKCredit: Gregg Wolstenholme/Bav Media

But don't get your hopes too high.

The Met Office has warned that the most vibrant display may have already passed.

According to the weather forecaster, there is now only a chance of Aurora sightings across northern Scotland for November 6 and "perhaps" November 7.

Spectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three yearsSpectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three years

"Thereafter aurora sightings are expected to become unlikely," the Met Office said.

What time can I see the Northern Lights?

Although quite rare, the Northern Lights can appear in the UK from time to time.

The polar lights could appear anytime between 7pm and 4am.

Although, the the optimum time seems to be around 9.30pm to 1am.

What are the best locations in the UK to see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are most visible above parts of England's north, Scotland and Northern Ireland during this geomagnetic storm.

But they can also be spotted further south, such as in Wiltshire and Cornwall.

You might not be able to see the lights on this opportunity but here are the best locations across the UK to prepare yourself for next time:

How do I see the Northern Lights?

With the nights growing longer, there is more opportunity to see the Northern Lights than in the warmer months.

But to give yourself the best chance to see them, it helps to be in an area with little light pollution.

Rural areas are best for sky gazing - but make sure your view isn't obstructed by tress, or clouds (which may be inevitable).

Robbie Williams poised to launch his own brand of energy drinks to rival PrimeRobbie Williams poised to launch his own brand of energy drinks to rival Prime

Sometimes, Aurora displays can appear white to the human eye, so it can help to take a quick photo on your phone to help reveal the colours.

If you're planning on photographing the aurora properly, you'll need a DSLR or bridge camera and ideally a tripod.

Experts have also advised that hopeful watchers not be too disheartened if the aurora look dim at first - this is because they usually brighten over the course of a few hours.

What is a solar flare?

It is a flash of increased brightness from the sun which is often joined by a coronal mass ejection - which is a huge expulsion of plasma from the sun's outer layer, called the corona.

It happens when a massive burst of material from the sun prompts a geomagnetic storm, which interferes with the Earth's magnetic field.

A solar flare has the ability to disturb the Earth's atmosphere, disrupting radio signals, power grids and causing a shift in auroras.

As it heads towards Earth, bringing the aurora to lower latitudes, it allows the northern lights to become visible from the UK.

This is when they can also be seen further south.

Olivia Burke

Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, London, Explainers

Read more similar news:

01.01.2023, 11:39 • UK News
New Year's Day swimmers take chilly early morning dip to welcome 2023
01.01.2023, 11:57 • UK News
London, New York and Europe welcome New Year; plus pics from around the world
01.01.2023, 12:12 • Tech
Selfish drivers mount pavement outside family homes putting pedestrians at risk
01.01.2023, 12:29 • Crime
Crowds crash barriers at London NYE - while cops run over & huge rave busted
01.01.2023, 14:08 • Investigation
All about Rachel Nickell who was murdered in front of her son Alex Hanscombe
01.01.2023, 16:19 • Sport
I starred at the World Cup and almost beat France - now I'm homeless in London
01.01.2023, 18:22 • Sport
Potter's boys drop more points as Aurier's leveller makes it one win in eight
01.01.2023, 23:06 • UK News
NYE revellers turned away from London party boat after cock-up by organisers
02.01.2023, 09:21 • Money
I live on one of the UK’s ‘cheapest streets’... but it won’t last for long
02.01.2023, 13:59 • Sport
From World Champs to feeble also-rans... nose-diving Chelsea face crunch week