The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are described as “one of the most spectacular displays in the night sky”.
This “incredible occurrence” can occasionally be seen in the night sky over Britain.
Time-lapse of the Northern Lights
Stargazers across the country are set to get their latest chance to see the Northern Lights tonight.
Best time to see the Northern Lights in the UK
The Northern Lights may be visible in parts of the UK on Tuesday night (September 16), according to the Met Office.
The Met Office Space Weather forecast reads: “Continued enhancement to the aurora is likely into the 16 September due to ongoing fast solar winds.
“This could bring some potential for visible aurora to northern parts of the UK and similar geomagnetic latitudes, but the extent and timing of any aurora is low confidence.
“Activity is expected to generally decline in the coming days.”
Tip for night sky photos on your phone
Best places to see the Northern Lights tonight
According to the space weather forecast from the Met Office, the best spots to see the Northern Lights on Tuesday night are in northern parts of the UK.
The Met Office added: “The northern lights are best seen in darkness, away from any light pollution.”
RECOMMENDED READING:
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the sun hitting gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The colours occur due to different gases in the Earth’s atmosphere being energised by the charged particles.
Nitrogen and oxygen are the two most common gases in the atmosphere, with nitrogen emitting purple, blue and pink colours and oxygen emitting green.
