Stargazers across the UK could be in for a spectacular treat tonight after an aurora 'red alert' was issued, indicating a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Lancaster University has issued the highest level alert, stating that the aurora will likely be visible by eye and camera from anywhere in the UK, with geomagnetic activity reaching around 280 nanotesla.
The Met Office has confirmed that conditions from tonight onwards could allow people across the country to witness the display, though the best chances remain in northern Scotland. Visibility is possible further south, but gradually decreases. The national agency noted that the aurora oval is expected to be enhanced from Wednesday or Thursday due to fast wind from a large coronal hole, with a possible coronal mass ejection (CME) glance further boosting visibility.
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, produce shimmering waves or curtains of colour, most commonly green, pink, and red, when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere. The best viewing locations are typically in Scotland, northern England, North Wales, and Northern Ireland, but under severe space weather, the lights can be seen throughout the UK.
For those who miss this opportunity, 2026 is expected to be the best year in a decade for aurora viewing, with the solar maximum peaking until March 2026. European destinations such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland offer excellent chances to see the lights due to their proximity to the Arctic Circle.
