The Met Office has said the Aurora Borealis could be visible across most parts of the UK this week and the display could also be enjoyed without the need for photographic equipment
Brits could be lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights without leaving the country as the wonderful display is set to grace our skies this week.
The Met Office’s space weather forecast says the lights are expected to be visible across most parts of the UK from Monday night to Wednesday night. While the best places to see the Aurora Borealis are northern Scotland and northern England, with good visibility the lights could also be seen further south, the Met Office said.
The favourable conditions are due to heightened solar activity, as a fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) left the Sun late on Sunday night and is set to reach Earth either late on Monday or early on Tuesday, September 2. Forecasters said this event is expected to enhance geomagnetic activity, creating conditions that could allow the lights to be visible further south than usual.
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According to the Met Office, with the arrival of this CME, there is a chance the aurora may be visible across much of the UK to the naked eye without the need for photographic equipment, which is relatively rare for locations in the south. But the best chance of seeing the aurora remains in the north of the UK, forecasters have stressed.
However, the weather service said several factors – namely cloud cover and light pollution – may affect visibility. The Met Office said: “The weather forecast from September 1 to 3 does indicated lots of cloud cover throughout the evening, with the Midlands most likely to have the least cloud and, therefore, potentially the best viewing conditions on September 1.
“September 2 and 3 sees nighttime viewing conditions worsen, with northern Scotland and northern England likely to have the clearest skies, although still not ideal viewing conditions. A waxing gibbous moon will also be present, which could impede clear views of the aurora, particularly in areas with additional light pollution. For those in more marginal locations, further south or in urban areas, light pollution will play a significant role in determining whether the aurora can be seen.”
Forecasters have revealed that even between Tuesday and Wednesday night there is a chance that the Northern Lights will be visible – but these are more likely to be confined to northern parts of the country. From Wednesday night onwards, the likelihood of further aurora sightings diminishes as no significant solar activity is expected, the Met Office added.
But even when conditions don’t seem completely favourable, skygazers shouldn’t lose all hope as there is still a chance that the sky might clear up, offering a memorable display. Krista Hammond, Met Office Space Weather Manager, said: “As we monitor the arrival of this coronal mass ejection, there is a real possibility of aurora sightings further south than usual on Monday night.
“While the best views are likely further north, anyone with clear, dark skies should keep an eye out. Forecasts can change rapidly, so we encourage the public to stay updated with the latest information.”