The Met Office has revealed the UK areas with the best viewing conditions for the aurora borealis this week
The Northern Lights could reach the south of England tonight(Image: Getty Images)
With a total lunar eclipse on the way, September is set to be a spectacular month for sky watchers. Now, the UK is set to be treated to a colourful Northern Lights display.
The Met Office says the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, could light up UK skies on Monday night (September 1), with ‘enhanced auroral activity’ possible until September 3.
It comes as a fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) left the Sun late on Saturday night (August 30). These charged particles are set to hit Earth tonight, triggering a geomagnetic storm that is likely to create colourful aurora displays across the globe.
The Northern Lights are typically confined to northern latitudes, however this powerful CME is expected to bring aurora much further south than usual, potentially reaching the south of England.
Aurora Borealis could dazzle across the UK tonight(Image: Getty Images)
The Met Office said in a blog post: “With the arrival of this CME, the Met Office expects that at the peak of geomagnetic activity, there is a chance aurora may be visible across much of the UK.
“Notably, these displays may be visible to the naked eye, without the need for photographic equipment, which is relatively rare for locations this far south in the UK. The best chance of seeing the aurora remains in the north of the UK.”
Visible aurora could reach as far south as East Anglia, the Midlands, Wales tonight, where skies are dark and clear, the Met Office says.
The weather agency’s aurora maps suggest the best time to catch a view of the Northern Lights tonight is between 9pm on September 1 and midnight, with visibility possible until around 3am on September 2.
Aurora maps show significant activity at around midnight tonight (September 1-2)(Image: The Met Office)Where to see the Northern Lights tonight in UK
While the brightest aurora is likely to be seen in northern parts of Scotland, the Met Office says cloud cover could impact visibility.
Based on current cloud cover forecasts, the Midlands is set to have the least cloud and ‘best viewing conditions’ on September 1, the weather agency said.
On the evenings of September 2 and September 3, the Met Office says northern Scotland and northern England are likely to have the clearest skies at the time of the aurora.
For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, find a clear, dark sky away from light pollution. Photography can help to reveal the vibrant colours of the aurora if there is limited visibility to the naked eye.
Krista Hammond, Met Office Space Weather Manager, said: “As we monitor the arrival of this coronal mass ejection, there is a real possibility of aurora sightings further south than usual on Monday night.
“While the best views are likely further north, anyone with clear, dark skies should keep an eye out. Forecasts can change rapidly, so we encourage the public to stay updated with the latest information.”