Aurora Reach has worked out the chances of seeing the the dazzling lights in the South West
(Image: ChrisHepburn via Getty Images)
The sky will turn into a medley of colours as the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are set to hit the UK. The sun is currently going through a period of eruptions, or coronial mass ejections, which send solar particles towards our planet, with a ‘severe’ geomagnetic storm coming up, according to meteorologists.
The particles interact with the atmosphere resulting in the stunning lights that people scramble to see. AuroraWatch UK has issued a red alert meaning the Northern Lights should be visible by eye and from a camera anywhere in the UK.
So what about Bristol? Sadly, it seems there is little chance of seeing the dazzling lights in the South West.
According to the Met Office website, Met Office Space Weather Manager Krista Hammond said: “Multiple coronal mass ejections have reached Earth in recent days, with another one likely to arrive later today.
“This event is likely to be of a similar magnitude to the one in May 2024. However, on this occasion, the weather will hamper viewing potential for many, with thick cloud and rain for much of the country.
The UK could see a northern lights display tomorrow according to the Met Office(Image: Getty)
“The best visibility is likely to be in the north of Scotland on Wednesday night, though there is a chance of some breaks in the cloud at times in the southeast in the night.”
Aurora Reach also dampens hope stating on it’s website that aurora activity levels are ‘insufficient’ in Bristol, this will continue for the next three days.
Tips to see the light show
- Look to the north: Try to figure out which way is north in advance as the Aurora Borealis is drawn towards the poles of the Earth. You may not be able to see the lights directly overhead, but if you look to the North you may see it on the horizon. To help, download a compass app on your phone in advance
- Find somewhere with a clear view: Try to find an area that has no skyscrapers or other tall buildings so that your view is not obscured. Maybe even travel to a quieter area on the outskirts of London if possible to find wide open spaces.
- Get up high: To also help with not having your view obscured, you could have a better chance if you’re on a hill or somewhere high and away from light pollution.
- Stay up as late as you can: You want the sky to be as dark as possible so that you can see the lights. Staying up late helps this since the Auroras are most active in the late evening to early morning hours.
- Use your phone: You can just about see the lights with the naked eye, however cameras can see it better. They can adapt to the wavelengths more than the human eye meaning you’ll be able to appreciate the colours even more.