Northern Lights possible across UK again until Tuesday

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 13:48 · Archive

The Northern Lights may appear across the UK again tonight, with the Met Office saying sightings are possible until Tuesday during clear skies.

The Northern Lights could appear across the UK again tonight after lighting up skies from Scotland to Kent on Friday and Saturday nights. The Met Office said sightings could continue during clear skies until Tuesday, with visibility possible across Scotland, northern England and similar geomagnetic longitudes.

The phenomenon is caused by charged particles from coronal mass ejections on the Sun, which interact with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere. When these particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere, they emit coloured light creating the aurora effect. A Met Office spokesperson said two glancing coronal mass ejections followed by a coronal hole high speed stream bring a daily chance of enhancing the auroral oval.

On Saturday night, geomagnetic activity reached 600 nanoteslas, making the display visible across the entire country including southern regions such as Devon, Hampshire and Kent, described as a rare event. Normally the Northern Lights are only visible near the Arctic Circle and northern Scotland. Visibility depends on the strength of geomagnetic activity: an activity level of 200 nanoteslas would make the aurora visible in northern parts only.

To maximise chances of seeing the aurora tonight, observers should look northwards and avoid bright streetlights.

Northern Lights possible across UK again until Tuesday — Image: Malvern Gazette

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How it is being reported

Northern Lights visible in UK again tonight as rare spectacle dazzles skiesThe Northern Lights could make another appearance across the UK tonight with the Met Office saying sightings could continue.Malvern Gazette · 11 Oct, 13:10
Northern Lights visible in UK again tonight as rare spectacle dazzles skiesThe Northern Lights could make another appearance across the UK tonight with the Met Office saying sightings could continue.Worcester News · 11 Oct, 13:10

In this story: Northern Lights · UK · Scotland · Northern England · Devon · Hampshire · Kent · Met Office

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