The Met Office Space Weather Forecast says there is a chance of seeing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) over Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of Northern England between October 10 and October 13.
What is causing the display?
The lights could be seen due to incoming coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and a high-speed solar wind stream. Two glancing coronal mass ejections followed by a coronal hole high speed stream bring a daily chance of enhancing the auroral oval, with sightings possible where skies are clear.
Why 2026 is a peak year
The northern lights are visible in the UK multiple times a year, particularly during active solar periods, with 2026 being a peak year. The spectacular displays are created when charged particles from the Sun's atmosphere collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere, exciting oxygen and nitrogen atoms which release energy as glowing, colourful lights.
