Aurora Borealis: Northern Lights forecast to reappear across UK
Parts of the UK saw the aurora borealis on Friday night (ET), and forecasters warn another chance of displays on Saturday night (ET). The lights — visible from Northumberland and as far south as the Norfolk coastline — followed a strong geomagnetic storm driven by solar eruptions. Experts say the spectacle requires targeted solar activity and clear, dark skies to be visible farther south.
Aurora borealis sightings and forecast
Photographs captured waves of mostly green and purple light over Bamburgh in Northumberland and similar displays were recorded in Estonia, Canada and parts of Russia, showing a global reach for the aurora borealis at this stage of solar activity. The Met Office described the phenomenon as one of nature’s “most spectacular displays, ” and noted that colours can range from pale green and pink to vibrant reds, blues and violets in the north of the UK. Forecasters signalled a chance of seeing the lights “over the next couple of nights, ” with sightings most likely across Scotland where skies are clear but possibly into northern England too.
How the display formed and what made it visible so far south
The recent northern lights resulted from increased solar activity — coronal mass ejections and solar flares that sent charged particles toward Earth and triggered a strong geomagnetic storm. When those particles collide with the Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere they interact with gases: oxygen producing green glows and nitrogen producing reds, blues and pinks, which together created the vivid aurora borealis seen across multiple countries. Strong geomagnetic storms can push visibility much farther south than usual, which is why observers as far south as Norfolk and northern Italy were able to see the spectacle during the same period.
Immediate reactions from official sources
“Pale green and pink to vibrant reds, blues, and violets can sometimes light up the night sky, especially in the north of the UK, ” — Met Office. “Geomagnetic activity is expected to remain… with a chance of reaching a strong storm, ” — Met Office Space Weather Prediction Centre. Photographers and amateur skywatchers shared images from across the UK and internationally, highlighting how a concentrated burst of solar particles created dramatic skies and led to reports of the aurora borealis well outside its usual Arctic range.
Quick context
The recent displays came after a period of heightened solar activity tied to a solar maximum phase that forecasters say has begun to decline but can still produce strong events. The spring equinox and a phenomenon that can strengthen geomagnetic responses around equinoxes were noted as possible contributors to why the lights reached lower latitudes on this occasion.
What to expect next
Forecasters expect geomagnetic activity to remain elevated in the near term, offering another window for the aurora borealis on Saturday night (ET) and possibly beyond if further solar eruptions are aimed at Earth and weather conditions allow clear, dark skies. Cloud cover could spoil the view in some regions, particularly in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, while clearer skies elsewhere may produce early-night opportunities for observers. Skywatchers should monitor official Met Office updates for changes in geomagnetic storm strength and viewing advisories as this period of activity unfolds.
