The month of March is set to be a spectacular time to look up, with a “Blood Moon”, a partial solar eclipse, and now, a potential Northern Lights display illuminating the sky
March is shaping up to be an astronomical treat with a “Blood Moon” – a partial solar eclipse – and now the possibility of a Northern Lights spectacle gracing our night skies.
The Met Office space weather forecast suggests that parts of the UK might catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis later in the week. This potential display is thanks to a “glancing Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that departed the Sun on Saturday” (March 1). Last October, many across the UK were awestruck by a vivid aurora show.
The Northern Lights are the result of intense solar activity, which releases vast amounts of charged particles into space. These particles, when trapped by Earth’s magnetic field, can smash into atmospheric gas molecules, emitting light at various wavelengths and creating the awe-inspiring colourful sky dances we see.
Last year, images sent to the Mirror showed amazing displays of aurora borealis from as far south as Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. A snap taken there by Jon Gillespie captures a vibrant red hue across the clear sky. Other striking pictures show the incredible phenomenon seen from Whitby in North Yorkshire, and near Keswick in Cumbria.
When to catch the Northern Lights in the UK
The Met Office has predicted up to a 90% chance of aurora in parts of the UK this Saturday, March 8. The four-day space weather forecast from the agency announced: “On [March 8] the next fast wind related to a coronal hole may reach Earth with elevated to strong levels.”
Additionally, it detailed: “Geomagnetic activity mostly at Quiet to Unsettled levels through the period but on [March 5] and probably again on [March 8] Active to minor geomagnetic storm levels may reach Moderate geomagnetic storm levels.”
Those eager to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights should plan for the best viewing time around 9.00pm UK time during the weekend, with northern parts of the UK having up to a 90 per cent likelihood of seeing the aurora.
For optimal aurora borealis sightings, enthusiasts recommend seeking out locations far from city lights, such as coastal spots or hilltops, offering uninterrupted views of the heavens. Of course, clear skies are essential for viewing the natural light display, so keep an eye on the local weather outlook.
Currently, as reported by Manchester Evening News, we’re experiencing the peak of the solar cycle, which happens every 11 years, and it’s this surge of solar activity that’s bringing more frequent opportunities to spot the mesmerizing aurora borealis in the UK.
According to the Royal Astronomical Society, the current peak of the Northern Lights is anticipated to last until mid-2025. Following this period, the stunning spectacle will only be visible in high latitude countries including Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Scandinavia and Finland.
