The Northern lights may be visible this weekend (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA)
Stargazers in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England are in for a treat this weekend as the predicts a chance to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. The forecasters have noted an uptick in solar activity recently, which boosts the likelihood of the aurora borealis making an appearance.
Saturday, October 5, had ‘the greatest likelihood of aurora being visible’, the , adding that there had been a “strong flare” and a coronal mass ejection (CME), heightening the prospects for those eager to see the celestial display.
The forecaster said: “Aurora activity is expected to increase this weekend, leading to aurora potentially being visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England where skies are clear. Saturday night has the greatest likelihood of aurora being visible, with a chance that aurora may be visible further south, across central England and similar latitudes.”
It also detailed the recent solar events, saying: “Solar activity has been High, with the background level solar activity just below Moderate Class level and several M-class flares occurring. The largest flare was a Strong flare observed at 03/1218 UTC, which originated from a geomagnetically complex region near south-centre disc.”
A dazzling light show might be in store for aurora enthusiasts, according to the experts: “A filament eruption (arc of plasma material) was observed 03/0630 UTC in coronagraph imagery, close to a sunspot region located near the northeast limb. This has produced a coronal mass ejection (CME) off the northeast limb, which has been analysed as missing Earth. The arrival of another CME, from Oct 3, is more confidence, arriving either late on the 5th or early on Oct 6.”
It will be that confidence that aurora-chasers will be hoping gives them a light show to remember this weekend. Fans have been treated to several shows over recent months. Most notably, back in May the aurora was visible across the UK – usually it is those in the northern areas that are most likely to see it.
However, in May an “extreme” geomagnetic storm meant that people as far south as Berkshire and Kent were able to see it. This weekend spotters will be hoping for clear skies so they can enjoy the show.