Five top places in UK to see Northern Lights with 'good chance' of them being visible tonight

Seeing the aurora borealis — more commonly known as the Northern Lights — is on many people's bucket lists.

Every year, thousands of people flock to the Arctic circle to catch a glimpse of the beautiful dancing waves of light.

However, Brits may not need to travel so far afield as there will be a 'good chance' of seeing them in the UK this weekend.

The natural phenomenon is the result of a 'coronal mass ejection', which the Met Office explains is the large expulsion of plasma from the sun's corona.

When these particles hit our atmosphere, they create the aurora.

Taking to X yesterday (10 November), the Met Office said: "We're expecting a coronal mass ejection to arrive at Earth later on Saturday or early on Sunday, bringing Moderate to Strong geomagnetic storms.

"Depending on cloud cover, there's a good chance of visible auroras in northern areas of the UK later on Saturday night."

Getty Stock Photos

The Met Office explained on its space weather site: "From later on 11th Nov until 12th Nov, Minor or Moderate geomagnetic storming is expected to develop due to the arrival of a coronal mass ejection, with a chance of Strong geomagnetic storming occurring.

"There is lower confidence regarding the timing of the peak geomagnetic activity, but with clear skies aurora is likely to be visible overhead across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and similar latitudes during the night of the 11th, with sightings possible as far south as central England and Wales."

As for the UK spots most likely to see the Northern Lights this weekend, experts have shared their top five.

Getty Stock Photos

Being so far north, Scotland's Shetland Islands are a great viewing spot, and often catch glimpses of the Northern Lights between mid-October and March.

Llyn Geirionydd lake, close to the town of Betws-y-Coed in Wales is a favourite amongst locals, with snow-capped mountains making for a stunning backdrop.

The area of Brancaster Staithe in Norfolk also has a good chance of aurora visibility, having already been graced by the lights earlier this year.

Keswick in Cumbira's Lake District is another top spot for viewing and photographing the lights.

And lastly, while sightings become rarer the further south you go, the Northern Lights have been seen dancing over Stonehenge, with Salisbury in Wiltshire being another great viewing spot.

No matter where you're based, you can give yourself the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights by heading to an area with clear skies, free from light pollution.

Good luck trying to see the phenomenon in action for yourself!