The Met Office has said the Northern Lights may be visible from the UK again on Sunday and Monday night, after a dazzling display lit up skies across large parts of the country.
The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, was seen over northern England in the early hours of Sunday, October 11. Stunning photos captured the green and pink spectacle as far south as Kent and Surrey.
Where the Northern Lights could be seen
Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “They could be a little weaker tonight (Sunday), so most likely seen across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. They may be a little stronger again on Monday night so could be seen further south into central areas.”
Mr Dewhurst added: “Long exposure camera shots may show something each night a little further south than the above visible by eye forecast.”
Why the Northern Lights happen
The phenomenon is most visible around the equinoxes in spring and autumn. It is triggered by solar activity, the Met Office said. The sun emits charged particles known as solar wind, which, when they interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, are funnelled towards the magnetic poles. As the energetic particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, they release energy as light.
Oxygen produces green and, at higher altitudes, red, while nitrogen creates blue and purple hues, the weather forecaster said.
The autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 01.05 BST in the UK, as tracked by the Royal Museums Greenwich. The Sun crossed directly above the Earth's equator, which marks the start of astronomical autumn.
How to see the Northern Lights from the UK
The sky needs to be as clear as possible, and the lights are often picked up better through a camera on a phone, as cameras are able to view more light than the human eye.
It is best to wait until after 9pm when it is dark, and to face northwards for the best chance of catching a glimpse. Rural locations are often better than cities and towns, as pollution from artificial lights can make it more difficult to see the colourful display.
