Skywatchers across the United Kingdom are in for another potential celestial treat as a severe geomagnetic storm is forecast to trigger stunning Northern Lights displays for the second consecutive night.
What's Causing This Spectacular Light Show?
The breathtaking auroral displays are the result of a coronal mass ejection (CME) – a massive burst of charged particles from the Sun – that is expected to collide with Earth's atmosphere this evening. This marks the second night that our planet has been bombarded by these solar particles, which interact with Earth's magnetic field to create the colourful light displays known as the aurora borealis.
The solar flare responsible for this activity erupted early Tuesday morning and has been identified as the largest in 2025 so far. It originated from sunspot AR4274, which has shown significant activity in recent days, producing two other major flares on November 9 and 10.
Where and When to See the Northern Lights
According to forecasters, the visible aurora is expected across much of northern Britain, with a possibility of sightings extending further south across England and Wales. However, the Met Office has cautioned that cloud cover might inhibit ideal viewing conditions in many areas, though clear intervals could provide opportunities to spot the lights.
Solar physicist Dr Stephanie Yardley from Northumbria University told the Daily Mail: "Currently, there are three eruptions on their way to Earth, the first arriving last night and the last – probably the most intense one – to hit either today or tomorrow."
She added practical advice for hopeful viewers: "To see the aurora you need cloud free skies away from light pollution and need to look north. Although, during the most energetic displays and depending on your location you may need to look overhead or to the south."
Understanding the Storm's Intensity and Impacts
The National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) categorises geomagnetic storms on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). Forecasters indicate there's a chance of a strong G3 – or even severe G4 – geomagnetic storm being triggered this evening.
Dr Yardley emphasised the rarity of these conditions, noting they only occur a few times per 11-year solar activity cycle. She confirmed that the UK briefly reached G5 (extreme) geomagnetic storm conditions during Wednesday night's display.
While these severe geomagnetic storms pose no danger to humans on Earth due to atmospheric protection, they could potentially disrupt satellites, power grids, and electronic devices including mobile phones.
The spectacular displays captured on Wednesday night showcased skies over Whitley Bay, Northamptonshire, and Sunderland illuminated in breathtaking green, red, pink, and purple hues. Similar phenomena were observed as far away as the United States, with photographs taken near Valley Falls in Kansas.
Dr Yardley, who captured stunning photographs over Newcastle, enthusiastically posted on X: "This is not a drill! Go outside!" She also noted that smartphone cameras can sometimes capture the aurora even when it's not visible to the naked eye by using long exposure shots in night mode.
For those hoping to catch tonight's display, here are the predicted viewing opportunities across UK cities:
- Northern Ireland: Belfast and Derry – Likely at midnight
- Scotland: Shetland, Edinburgh, Glasgow – Likely from 9pm to 6am
- England: Newcastle and York – Likely at midnight; Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, London – May be visible from 9pm to 6am; Brighton, Canterbury, Cornwall – May be visible under good conditions
- Wales: Cardiff, Shrewsbury, Llandudno – May be visible from 9pm to 6am
The expert consensus suggests that severe geomagnetic storm conditions and displays of the northern lights should continue for the next several days, offering multiple opportunities for skygazers to witness this rare celestial phenomenon.
