UK Northern Lights map created as phenomenon is about to amaze Brits tonight
Northern lights returned to UK skies last night and if we’re lucky, may just stick around for an encore.
An interactive map whipped up by researchers at Lancaster University, shows exact locations of where the aurora borealis phenomenon was pictured on Thursday night.
The results prove it wasn’t just the northerly edges of Scotland which caught a glimpse but right down in the south west of England, too.
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According to Aurora Watch, evidence was provided by four people across Devon and Cornwall to confirm they witnessed the result of ongoing magnetic disturbances.
(Image: Met Office)
Despite a swathe of negative responses displayed with a ‘thumb down’ icon on the map, from those unable to see anything last night, plenty ‘thumbs up’ are dotted around the country. From Canterbury to Belfast, Swansea to York.
The Met Office sparked excitement among Brits, writing 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.”
According to the Met Office 11pm to 5am is the golden window to see the aurora if clouds are kind. The morning after stargazers leaped into gear, it’s looking like Brits have a second chance of catching it this week.
(Image: Getty Images)
Reporting on Friday night into Saturday, the Met Office says: “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.’
Earlier this year in May, a huge solar storm hitting the Earth potentially supercharged the Aurora Borealis which made it the most visible across the UK in 20 years.
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