Best place to view the Northern Lights as they are visible from UK tonight

While it might be a nippy one, it could be a good idea to wrap up warm and get outside tonight (4 December).

That’s because the Northern Lights are set to be visible from the UK on this chilly December evening.

More officially known as Aurora Borealis, they’re normally only properly clear in the properly northern areas of the UK – AKA, really far up into Scotland.

But luckily for a whole load more of us, tonight you might be able to spy them a little further south.

Although it is said to be unlucky to purposely go and hunt them down, wouldn’t it be boss to actually see the phenomena with your own eyes?

So, obviously, areas across Scandinavia offer the very best views for seeing the Northern Lights but there are a handful of UK spots where you might see them tonight.

Marc_Hilton/Getty Images

The Met Office says: “From the UK views of aurora may be possible from as far south as Northern England and Northern Ireland where skies are clear.

“Activity should subside by Wednesday 06 Dec with views likely restricted to the far north of Scotland.”

So this time round, the Northern Lights could be visible as far south as Newcastle, so it’s a big night for any Aurora-loving Geordies out there.

Areas in Northern Ireland will also be able to join in with the fun – just get as north as possible.

For the best chance of seeing them, you’ll need clear skies and somewhere away from light pollution.

So basically, get yourself somewhere as remote as possible (but make sure it’s safe) and ensure there’s a clear view facing north.

The Northern Lights from the Lake District. Credit: john finney photography/Getty Images

The best times of year to spot the Northern Lights tend to be between the Equinox and Solstice, though they can show up at other times of the year depending on solar activity.

Fortunately for the amateur stargazer you don't need any specialist equipment for spotting the Northern Lights, if you've got clear skies and a good view, they'll be easily spottable by the naked eye.

The only bad news in all this is just how terrible the weather is at the moment.

It’s not looking so good tonight with the Met Office forecasting ‘cloudy for many overnight with rain at times’.

So as well as wrapping up warm if you’re heading out to try and get a peak, make sure you’re wearing something waterproof.

Topics: UK News, Science

Jess Battison

Jess is an Entertainment Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include keeping up with the Twitter girlies, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021 and has previously worked at MyLondon.

@jessbattison_