The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, may be visible in parts of the UK this week, according to the Met Office. They have suggested that stargazers could have the opportunity to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon, even in southern regions. The forecast indicates that a “coronal mass ejection” from the sun is expected to reach Earth, with potential sightings of the lights likely in northern areas and a slight chance in the south as well. The Met Office provided a graphic showing that the lights may be most visible around 10pm on Thursday and between 10pm and 11pm on Friday.
In Wales, the Thursday night forecast predicts good conditions for viewing the northern lights, albeit with cold temperatures. The forecast describes the night as clear and cold, with a possibility of coastal showers, along with frost and pockets of mist and fog, resulting in a minimum temperature of -1°C. Moving into Friday, a bright day with sunshine is expected after a cold and frosty start, although it will still feel rather chilly.
The northern lights create large areas of colourful displays in shades such as pale green, pink, red, yellow, blue, and violet, primarily visible in the northward direction. To observe the lights at their best, it is advised to be in a dark location away from any light pollution. Typically, the auroras extend from 50 miles up to 400 miles above the Earth’s surface and are a result of solar activity, with charged particles in the solar wind colliding with molecules in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
The Met Office emphasises that while there is some uncertainty in the timing of the phenomenon, stargazers in the UK may have a unique opportunity to witness the northern lights this week. Enthusiasts are encouraged to keep an eye on the night sky, especially on Thursday and Friday evenings, for a chance to see this awe-inspiring natural spectacle.