Northern Lights could be visible in UK skies TONIGHT – find out if your area will catch them

THE Northern Lights could be visible in UK skies tonight, according to Met Office forecasts.

There is chance the rarely seen phenomenon will occur over parts of Scotland and the north of England.

Clear spells across Scotland could provide the perfect opportunity to see the brilliant lights tonight.

The Northern Lights - technically known as aurora borealis - may also be visible on Wednesday evening.

The forecaster added that the enhanced aurora is likely to diminish into October 3.

The Met Office website reads: "The auroral oval is currently at background, with waning effects of a coronal hole fast wind.

"There is a chance of enhanced auroral activity and aurora sightings across Scotland and similar latitudes into 02 Oct due to the possible arrival of the 29 Sep coronal mass ejection.

"A further CME induced aurora enhancement is possible on the 03 Oct."

The UK is south of where the natural aurora belt occurs.

It takes a severe or extreme geomagnetic storm to bring the belt southwards directly over the UK - this is a very rare occurrence.

The Northern Lights can produce a spectacular light show sometimes seen as far south as Scotland, northern England and Ireland - if skies are clear.

The distance to the aurora belt, compounded by light pollution or twilight, means it can be difficult for the naked eye to see the phenomenon clearly.

It is often portrayed much brighter in pictures than it appears to the naked eye.

It comes during a period of heightened solar activity, which is expected to cause a 23-year-high in terms of Northern Lights sightings but also radio blackouts.

The phenomenon is known as the Solar Maximum, which typically comes around every 11 years or so.

This is when the Sun's activity reaches its peak, and produces more auroral displays.

There are currently up to nine sunspot regions on the side of the Sun that faces Earth.

Best locations to watch

This week's Northern Lights display is forecast to only be visible from northern parts of the UK.

But that's if the cloud coverage doesn't scupper the view for everyone.

Shetland Islands - Here, auroral displays are most visible between mid-October and March. But it's best to avoid the towns and their light pollution.

Eryri, Conwy - Llyn Geirionydd lake, close to the town of Betws-y-Coed, is a local-favourite viewing spot, with snow-capped peaks in the backdrop.

Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk - This area was graced with bright aurora lights last year, namely in seaside towns Brancaster Staithe and Happisburgh.

Keswick, Cumbria - The Lake District is an over-the-radar spot for aurora hunters, but Derwentwater lake next to Keswick is a great place to photograph the lights.