The UK skies could soon be lit up with a dazzling natural show, as the Northern Lights are forecast to be visible across large parts of the country tonight and into the coming days.
The Met Office has confirmed that a surge of geomagnetic activity triggered by a powerful solar eruption may allow the aurora borealis to extend much further south than usual.
Normally reserved for Scotland or the far north, the aurora northern lights UK spectacle could be visible to millions more tonight. Clear skies, low light pollution, and a bit of luck will be key.
A fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME), a huge burst of charged solar particles, blasted away from the Sun on Saturday evening. Travelling some 90 million miles, the particles are expected to strike Earth’s atmosphere late Monday or early Tuesday.
The result? Intensified geomagnetic activity that could send rippling waves of green, red, and purple light dancing over Britain’s skies.
The best place to experience it better
Those in the Midlands and northern England are tipped to have the best chance of spotting the display on Monday night, with clearer skies forecast compared to elsewhere. Scotland, particularly the Highlands, remains a strong contender too.
However, the weather may spoil the plans. Between Monday and Wednesday, extensive cloud cover is expected across much of the country, with Tuesday and Wednesday bringing trickier conditions.
Northern Scotland and parts of northern England could hold the clearest windows.
A waxing gibbous moon will add extra light to the mix, meaning darker, rural areas will offer the best viewing. Urban glow from streetlamps will make sightings far more challenging further south.
Expert Warnings
Krista Hammond, Met Office space weather manager, explained: “As we monitor the arrival of this coronal mass ejection, there is a real possibility of aurora sightings further south than usual on Monday night.
While the best views are likely to be found further north, anyone with clear, dark skies should keep an eye out. Forecasts can change rapidly, so we encourage the public to stay updated with the latest information.”
There is a chance of seeing the aurora tonight across parts of the UK where skies are sufficiently dark and clear https://t.co/oJA9hoYETK
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— Met Office Space (@MetOfficeSpace) September 1, 2025
Even where the aurora isn’t obvious to the naked eye, cameras may still capture it. A Met Office spokesperson noted that “cameras help as the long exposure allows loads of light in and enhances the colours more than the human eye can see.”
What Causes the Colours?
The vibrant glow is created when solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. Oxygen produces reds and greens, nitrogen generates pinks and crimsons, while blues and purples come from hydrogen and helium.
These collisions occur high above the Earth, as the particles funnel down magnetic field lines near the poles, unleashing mesmerising curtains of light.
It’s not just Britain looking skyward. The same solar storm is forecast to deliver aurora sightings across 18 US states, stretching from Alaska and Montana to as far south as Illinois and Oregon.
Scientists have described this particular event as a “cannibal solar storm”, where one CME catches up with and swallows another, boosting the intensity of the impact. This can push geomagnetic storms to stronger levels, sometimes even affecting power supplies.
How to Maximise Your Chances?
- Head away from towns and cities
- Find a spot with high elevation, if possible
- Avoid areas with heavy cloud cover
- Look northwards after 10pm
If conditions play ball, tonight could be one of the best opportunities in years for Brits to witness the aurora northern lights UK-wide. While not guaranteed, the cosmic show is set to thrill stargazers lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
