The Northern Lights are set to be visible across large parts of the UK overnight as a huge solar storm is going to hit Earth.
America's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reportedly issued its first severe solar storm warning since 2005 yesterday as a huge geomagnetic storm races towards Earth - meaning it could be the most powerful experienced in almost two decades.
It's set to hit overnight, and could supercharge the Northern Lights, making them visible in Scotland, northern England and Wales and even further south if conditions are right.
But the impressive Aurora Borealis could also potentially interfere with infrastructure, including the power grid and satellites when it hits.
That was incredible! Just back from getting up on the hills in Hertfordshire and the reds and green aurora visible to the naked eye were stunning.
Never thought I would see that in this country.
Update: Worth it, thanks for the tips everyone!
Took a drive out to a little town near Newmarket (Ousden) that seemed to be recommended as a stargazing spot. Top of a hill, hardly a cloud in the sky, sliver of a moon, and not even too cold. What a perfect night!
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Even on an iPhone 13 mini without a tripod or any skill in photography we managed to get a couple of amazing snaps.
Finished up with some motorway services doughnuts on the way home in the wee hours.
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - would do it again.
The Standard has a London-specific article, which suggests it is guarantee in the North and could cover the whole country. So check your local weather maps (I use Wunderground) for a clear patch and give it a go.
This could be useful: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast Also, if you ever get the opportunity, go see the northern lights inside the arctic circle. Full colours across the sky is something else. It’ll be winter time for obvious reasons, and therefore typically cold as fuck, but definitely worth it.
Thanks for that.
A friend went on an excursion from northern Iceland, but I don't think he saw anything. My brother was working somewhere near Tromso.and was blown away.
I missed them, of course. They are set to return tonight but probably not as good.
BBC News - Northern Lights: Where to see them in the UK on Saturday night https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68995042