The Northern Lights are expected to be visible across the UK tonight, as a rare ‘red alert’ has been issued by AuroraWatch UK. This means that there is a good chance that the phenomenon will be visible to the naked eye and through cameras from any location in the country. The notification was issued by AuroraWatch, which is operated by the Space and Planetary Physics group at Lancaster University’s Department of Physics, at 3.42pm this afternoon.
Aurora displays happen when charged particles from the Sun interact with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere near the magnetic poles. In the northern hemisphere, most of this activity occurs within a region called the aurora oval, which includes latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees. During periods of strong activity, this oval can expand to cover a larger area, allowing the Northern Lights to be seen as far south as the UK.
The alerts sent out by AuroraWatch UK are automated and are triggered when there are significant disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field. While these alerts can happen at any time during the day, the actual aurora can only be seen during the night when it is dark outside. If you are interested in receiving alerts about the Northern Lights, you can download the AuroraWatchUK app on Android or Apple devices.
So, for those who missed out on seeing the Northern Lights earlier this summer, tonight might be your chance to witness this spectacular natural light show. Keep an eye out for updates as the evening progresses to see if the red alert is still in effect by the time it gets dark in the South East. Whether you are in a city or a rural area, you may have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Aurora Borealis from your own backyard. Don’t forget to have your cameras ready to capture this breathtaking event if you are lucky enough to witness it tonight.
