Britons have the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights from their own country this week, as the spectacular display is expected to illuminate the skies. According to the space weather forecast by the Met Office, the Northern Lights are anticipated to be visible across most regions of the UK from Monday night through Wednesday night. While the prime locations to observe the Aurora Borealis are in northern Scotland and northern England, favorable visibility conditions could extend further south, as noted by the Met Office.
The enhanced solar activity is attributed to a rapid coronal mass ejection (CME) that departed from the Sun late Sunday night and is predicted to reach Earth either late Monday or early Tuesday, September 2. This event is projected to boost geomagnetic activity, creating circumstances conducive for the lights to be visible in more southerly locations than usual.
The Met Office suggests that with the arrival of the CME, there is a possibility that the aurora may be seen across a significant portion of the UK with the naked eye, a rare occurrence for southern areas. However, the optimal viewing chances remain in the northern regions of the UK.
Factors such as cloud cover and light pollution could potentially impact visibility, as indicated by the Met Office. Cloudy conditions are expected from September 1 to 3, with the Midlands likely to have the clearest skies on September 1. Nights of September 2 and 3 may experience deteriorating viewing conditions, with northern Scotland and northern England having better visibility despite not being ideal. Additionally, the presence of a waxing gibbous moon and urban light pollution could hinder clear sightings of the aurora in certain areas.
Forecasters reveal that there is a possibility of Northern Lights sightings even into Tuesday and Wednesday nights, primarily in the northern parts of the country. However, the likelihood of further aurora displays diminishes from Wednesday night onward due to the absence of significant solar activity.
Despite less than ideal conditions, enthusiasts are encouraged to remain hopeful as there is a chance for the sky to clear up, offering a remarkable display. Krista Hammond, Met Office Space Weather Manager, emphasized the potential for aurora sightings further south than usual on Monday night and advised the public to stay updated with the latest information.
