Aurora borealis could dazzle UK skies tonight after weeks of reduced activity
13:52, 08 Aug 2025Updated 13:56, 08 Aug 2025
The Northern Lights could be visible above the UK tonight(Image: Getty Images)
The Met Office has said the Northern Lights could be visible in UK skies tonight due to ‘enhanced auroral activity’.
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, could reach as far south as north England tonight thanks to the arrival of a Coronal Mass Ejection and coronal hole fast wind.
The weather agency says “visible activity” of the Northern Lights is expected for parts of the UK on Friday night (August 8) and into the early hours of Saturday morning (August 9).
It said northern Scotland has the best chance of spotting the aurora display, with sightings also possible for parts of the north of England and Ireland, given good viewing conditions.
The Northern Lights are caused by large explosions of activity from the Sun, which throw out huge amounts of charged particles – called solar wind – into space.
When these particles are captured by the Earth’s magnetic field they can collide with gas molecules in the atmosphere in an event called a geomagnetic storm. Light is emitted from these collisions at various wavelengths, forming spectacular colourful displays in the sky.
According to the Met Office, the best time to spot tonight’s aurora display is “from late on August 8”.
The strongest auroral activity is forecast at around 9pm, August 8(Image: The Met Office)
The Met Office said in its space weather forecast: “Expected Coronal Mass Ejection and coronal hole fast wind influence is forecast for 08-09 August, which will likely enhance auroral activity.
“Sightings are possible over Scotland, especially the north, given clear skies. There is a chance of visible activity for parts of the north of England and Ireland given good conditions, with the peak chance likely from late on 08 August.”
However, the weather agency says there is low confidence with timings of the display and visibility may be limited due to short darkness hours and potential cloud cover.
Met Office aurora maps show peak activity above the UK at around 9pm. Sunset will occur at around 8.30pm BST tonight (August 8), meaning the Northern Lights could become visible at around 9.30-10pm.
Cloud cover maps show clear skies for some at 11pm, August 8(Image: The Met Office)
Met Office cloud cover maps show clear skies for parts of Scotland and north England at 11pm, when auroral activity is expected to be visible. Largely clear skies are forecast for Northern Ireland, the rest of England and Wales.
The Met Office forecast states: “A band or locally heavy rain drifts south across Scotland with strong winds. Elsewhere, it will be mostly dry with clear spells and lighter winds, some patchy fog is possible.”