A rare 'cannibal' solar storm is set to trigger a spectacular display of the Northern Lights across parts of the UK tonight, with the possibility of sightings as far south as central England and Wales.
The event began on 2 June when sunspot 4455, an unstable region on the sun's surface, unleashed a series of intense X-class solar flares and multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs). One of these CMEs, travelling at up to 1,200 miles per second, caught up with a slower-moving cloud, merging to form a 'cannibal CME' that carries significantly more energy than a standard solar blast.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a warning for a strong G3 geomagnetic storm, with conditions potentially intensifying to a severe G4 event. The Met Office has confirmed the storm will be effective from 1pm on Thursday, 4 June, until 9am on Saturday, 6 June.
Forecasters predict the Northern Lights could be visible across Scotland, central England, and Wales, particularly where skies are clear. However, increasing cloud cover and rain from the southwest may hamper viewing on Friday night. Stargazers are advised to seek dark locations away from city lights and monitor local aurora forecasts.
While the storm may cause minor technological disruptions such as brief radio interference and increased drag on satellites, experts stress it poses no danger to people or infrastructure on the ground.
