Northern Lights dazzle skies above UK – will we see aurora borealis again tonight?

Millions of people in the UK may be in with another chance to view the Aurora Borealis tonight, as ongoing magnetic disturbances mean the northern lights are visible much further south than usual.

Earlier this week, the Met Office said in a statement on X: ‘You might want to look up at the sky tonight because there’s the chance of seeing the aurora.

‘Clear skies for most overnight will make for ideal viewing conditions, with sightings possible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.’

The best chance to see them are between the hours of 11pm and 5am, according to the Met Office.

Following the announcement, stargazers across the country reported seeing the natural phenomena last night.

But for those who missed out, there’s an another opportunity to catch them tonight.

Where can you see the aurora borealis tonight?

Issuing an alert that Northern Lights will be visible at the end of this week, the Met Office has said: ‘aurora potentially visible as far south as northern England and Northern Ireland, and perhaps some northern coastal areas of North Wales and Norfolk. 

‘Visibility is forecast to fade overnight. However, another arrival overnight Friday into Saturday brings a chance of further visible aurora to northern areas of the UK, primarily Scotland.’

Stargazers across the country have already spotted the northern lights several times this year.

People were treated to a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights in May.

Its arrival came after a huge solar storm hit the Earth, with the enhanced solar activity potentially supercharging the Aurora Borealis.

They were visible for the first time across the UK in 20 years, even visible over London’s light pollution.

How can I photograph the Aurora Borealis?

Photographing the Northern Lights is a tricky task that requires some special techniques, and to get the best shots, you’ll need a camera where you can adjust settings manually.

A DSLR or mirrorless camera paired with a wide-angle lens works best because they let in more light, making it easier to capture the faint lights in the dark sky. A tripod is also important because you’ll need to keep the camera steady for longer periods to allow enough light to hit the sensor.

While phone cameras have come a long way, they generally struggle to capture the Northern Lights, especially if the lights are faint or if you’re in a low-light area. Some newer smartphones do have ‘Night Mode’ or manual settings for adjusting exposure, which could help, but the results may not be as vibrant or detailed as with a dedicated camera.

However, in ideal conditions, you might be able to capture a decent photo of the Aurora with a phone.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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