UK may witness Northern Lights due to recent solar flares
Solar flares increase chance of Northern Lights in UK's northern regions
The UK might witness the Northern Lights in the coming nights due to recent solar flares from the sun. The Northern Lights, known scientifically as aurora borealis, occur when solar storms interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, creating luminous displays in the sky over the magnetic poles.
Space weather expert Krista Hammond from the Met Office stated that there is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, especially in northern Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland. This potential sighting is due to the likelihood of a geomagnetic storm arriving soon.
Earlier this week, astronomers observed two solar flares releasing plasma, known as a coronal mass ejection, from the sun. Although most of the plasma will bypass Earth, there is a chance that the edges of these mass ejections could interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, potentially triggering the Northern Lights.
🌌The 15th strongest solar flare on record occurred earlier today, and will produce highly visible Northern Lights ("auroras") Friday night into Saturday morning. Views across the country may surpass those in May when even Florida was able to see them! Cloud cover looks to be… pic.twitter.com/dHP0Tux6Lo
— TDS Weather (@TDSwx) October 4, 2024
The UK has experienced more frequent aurora borealis sightings recently because the sun is currently in an active phase of its 11-year cycle, known as the “solar maximum.” During this phase, increased solar flares and storms cause the Northern Lights to be visible further south than usual.
Krista Hammond noted that it is challenging to determine the precise end of the solar maximum. However, estimates suggest that the peak period will last until the start of next year.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Gaydio reports that Northern Lights may appear over the UK due to solar storms, particularly in northern Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland, with clear skies offering the best viewing conditions.(read more)
- News Sky: Ideal viewing conditions for Northern Lights in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England; possibility of faint sightings from north Norfolk coast with minimal cloud cover.(read more)
- TimeOut UK: The article highlights the best conditions and locations in the UK to spot the northern lights, emphasizing clear skies, dark locations, and northern horizons for optimal viewing.
None.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What causes the Northern Lights?
The Lights are caused by solar storms interacting with Earth’s atmosphere.
Where in the UK can I see the Northern Lights?
You might see them in northern parts of Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland.
Why are the Northern Lights more frequent recently?
The sun is currently in a particularly active part of its cycle, called ‘solar maximum’.
What is a coronal mass ejection?
A coronal mass ejection is plasma released into space from the sun, often causing geomagnetic storms.
When is the current solar maximum expected to end?
Solar maximum is estimated to last from now to the start of next year.
