‘Once in a decade’ Northern Lights show to be seen in UK – here is easy methods to spot it
Brits are reassured that there’s another chance to spot the Northern Lights coming soon and a promise that we could be treated with them on a regular basis due to a new solar age
The Northern Lights are back – and there are a few chances to see them.
Weather experts at the Met Office say the spectacle in the sky is due back for a “once in a decade” return to the UK. Not only that, the Aurora Borealis will be visible more than a few times next tear due to a change in the sun’s magnetic field.
Scientists explained that this happens around every 11 years, and we’re at the turning point. The so-called Solar Maximum phase means we’re at the later stages of the cycle process, which is great news for star gazers.
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In this phase, there is a huge influx in solar activity, with large storms taking place in space and sunspots appearing in the sky. It also means the Northern Lights will be visible more often than often.
In the past couple of months the skies have been treated with several visits from the phenomenon, and this is said to be lasting into next year. The Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre spoke out about how and where to see them.
Krista Hammond told the Metro : “‘While it’s not possible to know precisely what this means for individual Earth-directed solar events, it does mean there will likely be further chances of aurora visibility in the UK in the coming months.
“While we’re in the solar maximum phase now, which could last a year, it’s not possible to know exactly when the number of sunspots peaked until some time after it has happened.”
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It is thought the Lights will make an appearance several times next year and the best places to see them are where the land is closest to the lights. Enthusiasts might get their best look in places like Scotland and northern England.
That said, unpredictable weather prevents sightings as clouds block out the colourful display. For prime viewing, the Met Office advises finding a location with dark, cloudless skies and cloudy conditions obscure the awe-inspiring dance of the lights.
Northern Lights occur due to interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles from the sun. The particles are released and collide with our planet.
They are redirected by Earth’s magnetic towards the poles, where they collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere. The result includes a fantastic display which takes the top spot for the most-ranked Bucket List experience.
This is particularly true for Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012. 60% of the generation have the Lights as their number one before-death experience, according to Skyhook.
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