Northern Lights To Be Visible In Large Parts Of UK This Week
The Northern Lights may be visible to the naked eye in some parts of the UK this week.
Otherwise known as Aurora Borealis, the rare phenomenon could be seen as far south as Scotland, parts of Northern England, parts of the Midlands and Northern Ireland.
Whoever’s lucky enough to live in these areas should pray for clear skies – a necessary condition for the dazzling lights to appear.
According to the British Geological Survey, the best chance of seeing the phenomenon will be on Thursday 31 March and Friday 1 April, weather permitting.
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People in the UK may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights thanks to a solar storm, which drives the phenomenon southward towards the equator.
Geomagnetic Disturbance Alert
— British Geological Survey (@BritGeoSurvey) March 29, 2022
29th March
British Geological Survey
Assuming clear dark skies, there is an increased chance of seeing the aurora on 31st March and April 1st. In the UK, those in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland may have the best opportunities. pic.twitter.com/ps1f2Z4g68
However, those living in densely populated city areas may need to travel out a bit in order to view them.
In order to see the lights, experts say you need clear night-time sky in the countryside, away from all the light pollution of the cities.
The Met Office has unfortunately brought bad news of ‘unsettled’ weather this week, which may make it more difficult to catch a glimpse.
A far cry from the warm temperatures Brits enjoyed last week, forecasts now predict heavy cloud that will cover most areas, with sleet and snow also on the cards.
However, those lucky enough to live in Scotland should have clear enough skies to see the lights, despite a wintry few days forecast.
For those living in Dumfries and Galloway, the best time to see the Northern Lights will be on the night of Thursday 31 March, when the clouds should have dissipated, ITV News reports.
Those in Northern Ireland should follow similar advice, as the skies are more likely to be clear on Thursday night rather than Friday.
Belfast can expect the least amount of clouds between 9.00pm and 10.00pm on Thursday.
Those living in the northeast of England, such as Leeds, Middlesborough, Newcastle and much of Northumberland, may struggle to see the lights thanks to cloudy and often snowy nights forecast on both dates.
People in the northwest of England stand a better chance, with relatively clear skies forecast for both Carlisle and Manchester on Thursday night.
As the cold weather settles, we’re all pining after those warm temperatures we experienced last week.
However, Brits should brace themselves as the worst is yet to come – with sleet and snow looking a likely probability.
Abbi Murray