Where you could see the Northern Lights in UK tonight as new alert issued for Brits
It’s nearly been a week since Instagram was absolutely flooded with snaps of colourful skies.
Last Friday (10 May), in what felt like a very rare treat, the Northern Lights were visible across the UK. As the amazing aurora borealis lit up the skies from Whitley Bay to Margate, Brits got to witness the spectacle usually reserved for special holidays up in the likes of Iceland.
Although, plenty of us did miss the spectacle caused by the ‘severe’ solar storm and had to hope for second and third chances over the weekend.
But, while some mourn the incredible sight and others are still trying to get over their FOMO, it seems like the Northern Lights could be visible in the UK again tonight as a new alert has been issued.
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Earlier this afternoon, at 3:45pm, Aurora Watch UK issued an amber alert of ‘possible aurora’.
Where might you be able to see the Northern Lights tonight?
According to the site, which takes geomagnetic activity measurements from the SAMNET and AuroraWatchNet magnetometers, aurora is likely to be visible by eye from Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland.
It is also ‘possibly visible from elsewhere in the UK’. The alert adds: “Photographs of aurora are likely from anywhere in the UK.”
When is the best time to see them?
The site points out that ‘local conditions will still need to be right’ for Brits to be able to see aurora.
And, as one of the vital things to be able to see the Northern Lights, the level of cloud is very important. Aurora isn’t bright enough to be seen during the day, even if it is occurring and the most common time to see them in the UK is very late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
Aurora Watch UK has issued advice to check if you’ll be able to see the incredible spectacle as it says aurora is ‘generally not visible’ through cloud cover.
“So, if it’s very cloudy, foggy or misty, you’ll probably not be able to see an aurora. Our simple check for this is: can you see the stars?” it advises.
“If so, you’re seeing the night sky and clouds are not obstructing your view. If you can’t, then those pesky clouds are getting in the way and you won’t be seeing an aurora.”
If you’re up in Scotland or northern areas of England and Northern Ireland tonight, then check for cloud cover and also avoid places with sources of light pollution. And if you do manage to see them, don’t forget to take a photo so you can rub it in the faces of all the Brits who missed it.
Jess Battison