In a breathtaking celestial event, the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, painted the night sky across the United Kingdom on Monday evening, with the spectacular show even reaching parts of northern Italy.
Solar Fury Creates Dazzling Display
The remarkable light show was triggered by intense solar activity, including severe geomagnetic storms and a powerful Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the sun. This surge of charged particles interacting with Earth's atmosphere resulted in the vivid greens, pinks, and purples witnessed by stargazers from Scotland to the south of England.
The Met Office has confirmed that there is a chance for further auroral displays on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. However, they cautioned that cloud cover and rain expected on Tuesday evening could obscure the view for many.
Where to Look Tonight
Krista Hammond, the Met Office's Space Weather Manager, provided guidance for hopeful viewers. "Aurora sightings are possible on Tuesday evening across Scotland, perhaps also Northern Ireland and northern England, where skies are clear," she stated.
For the best chance of witnessing the phenomenon, experts recommend:
- Finding a location away from light pollution.
- Allowing your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness.
- Looking to the northern horizon within an hour or two of midnight.
While the conditions are not guaranteed, the potential for a repeat performance offers another opportunity to see one of nature's most stunning visual spectacles from British soil. The widespread visibility of the lights, stretching remarkably far south, underscores the significant strength of the ongoing solar activity.
