A new ‘red alert’ has been issued for the Northern Lights set to appear on Thursday, October 10, 2024, according to Wales Online. The possibility of witnessing this spectacular natural display seems to have heightened, raising excitement for skywatchers across the UK. The alert was released by AuroraWatch UK, a service managed by scientists at Lancaster University’s Department of Physics, specializing in Space and Planetary Physics. When a red alert is issued, it signifies a high likelihood of the aurora being visible to the naked eye and through cameras from any location in the UK.
The service’s continuous monitoring led to an update indicating a downgrade to amber status by 5 pm, which suggests that the aurora will likely be visible in Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland. There is a possibility of sightings in other parts of the UK as well, with the potential for photographing the aurora from anywhere in the country. Skygazers, particularly in the northern regions of the UK, are advised to keep a lookout as the evening progresses to catch a glimpse of this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Earlier on Thursday, the Met Office reported that a ‘coronal mass ejection from the sun’ is approaching Earth, increasing the chances of the Northern Lights being visible across much of the UK. A coronal mass ejection involves a significant release of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona. The Met Office post indicated that the aurora is expected to be most prominent over Scotland around 1 am on Friday and possibly at 11 pm on the same day. The post also noted that while there is some uncertainty regarding the arrival time of the coronal mass ejection, sightings of the aurora are likely in northern areas, with a slight chance of visibility in the southern regions as well.
As anticipation builds for this celestial spectacle, enthusiasts are gearing up for a potentially stunning display of the Northern Lights on Thursday night. Keep your eyes on the skies for a chance to witness this remarkable natural light show that promises to captivate viewers in the UK.