The Met Office has issued an extreme space weather alert, predicting that the Northern Lights could be visible across the UK on Monday night following a severe solar storm. A colossal solar flare launched a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun on 18 January, expected to reach Earth late Monday or early Tuesday.
The incoming CME is likely to cause a G3-class geomagnetic storm, which could bring the aurora borealis far further south than usual. The Met Office stated: 'A coronal mass ejection is expected to arrive on 20 January, which is likely to give a G3/ Strong Storm, with the chance of seeing aurora down to mid-latitudes.'
Visibility will depend on the exact timing of the CME's arrival and local weather conditions. The Met Office's Krista Hammond noted: 'There is still some uncertainty around the exact timing of the CME’s arrival, but it is expected overnight tonight or tomorrow morning. The CME is likely to result in geomagnetic storming, giving the potential to view the aurora. However, sightings are dependent on the CME arriving during hours of darkness and clear skies.'
Forecasts indicate patchy cloud across most of the UK on Monday evening, with possible breaks for viewing. The best time to see the aurora is typically within an hour or two of midnight, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). To maximise chances, observers should seek areas away from light pollution and allow their eyes to adjust to the darkness.
