Northern Lights to light up UK skies once more tonight – here is the place to see them

On May 11, 2024

The dazzling Northern Lights are set to light up the skies above the UK again tonight – and your Daily Star reveals the best areas to see them.

Delighted sky watchers shared pictures of the stunning display – also known as aurora borealis – which were visible across the country on Friday night after Brits were treated to a rare spectacular solar storm.

But don’t despair if you missed it as millions are likely to have a chance to see the phenomenon again tonight. And here is everything you need to know about where, when and how to see them.

The Northern Lights were visible across the UK because of a powerful geomagnetic storm — Northern England and Scotland are likely to be the best spots to view the Northern Lights
(Image: Sinead James)

Where can I see them?

You will have a chance to see it no matter where you are as long as the skies are clear, which is looking likely. However Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England and Wales will likely be the best places to see any upcoming aurorae tonight, experts say.

Meteorologist Craig Snell, of the national weather agency, told The Sun the best spots will be isolated and away from the light pollution of big cities. He said: “As far north as you can go. The middle of nowhere with nothing polluting the sky. Somewhere very dark, in the countryside, a country park.

“Parts of the south may see some visibility. The activity tonight won’t be as strong as yesterday, it’ll be harder with just the naked eye, you might need a decent camera.”

Picture of the night sky illuminated by the Northern Lights — The skies above Anglesea Zoo were illuminated and North Wales is expected to get another dazzling display tonight
(Image: @angleseyseazoo)

When can I see them?

Met Office maps indicate visibility will begin from around 9pm and last until around 3am as the conditions that allowed the Northern Lights to appear on Friday night are likely to be replicated again. But the peak times for visibility are expected be around 10.30pm to 11pm when the night is darkest, the Met Office say.

The night sky illuminated by the Northern lights — Brits will have another chance to capture the dazzling display this evening
(Image: Sinead James)

How can I get a good photo of them?

The internet was awash with stunning pictures of the Northern Lights on Friday night and Saturday morning. But as the lights are not expected to be as bright as they were on Friday, you might need to employ some camera tricks to get the most out of your photo if you are heading out tonight.

Amateur photographer Anne Wilkie, who captured the lights on her iPhone on Friday night, told the BBC her top tips for getting the best photo include:

Switch off the flash
Set the camera to night mode, and adjust the slider to three to five seconds
Keep the camera as steady as possible or use a tripod.

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