The Northern Lights are set to return to British skies on Saturday evening March 21, after a stunning display lit up parts of the country as far south as Norfolk on Friday March 20.
This magnificent natural spectacle, known as Aurora Borealis, is caused by a geomagnetic storm caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME), in which waves of charged particles erupt from the Sun’s surface and interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Oxygen emits green, while nitrogen emits red, blue and pink, and this is what has brought us the brilliant spectacle of colors that has fascinated skywatchers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales.
Weather watchers have reported seeing the Northern Lights in North Wales, Powys and even the Norfolk coast.
According to Met Office space weather analysts, geomagnetic activity is expected to remain high until Saturday evening, with a chance of reaching another ‘strong storm’ level.
This suggests that auroras could be visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern parts of England and Wales, with a small chance of being seen further south.
But clouds can obscure views over parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Clear skies should provide better viewing opportunities.
On Friday, the Northern Lights aligned with the spring equinox, which improved visibility thanks to the Russell-McPherron effect.
This happens when Earth’s magnetic field coincides with incoming solar winds, usually making it stronger around the equinoxes.
