THE NORTHERN Lights are set for a “once in a decade” return to Britain, forecasters say.
The Met Office says the Aurora Borealis will be visible more regularly next year due to a change in the sun’s magnetic fields.
The sun’s magnetic fields change roughly every 11 years, and we are now in the “solar maximum” phase – meaning the later stages of this “solar cycle” process.
The solar maximum sees the greatest level of solar activity, with large numbers of sunspots appearing, and large solar storms often take place.
The greater the number of sunspots, the stronger the solar wind, and the more likely it is that the Northern Lights will be visible.
Krista Hammond, from the Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre (MOSWOC), told the Metro: “‘While it’s not possible to know precisely what this means for individual Earth-directed solar events, it does mean there will likely be further chances of aurora visibility in the UK in the coming months.
“While we’re in the solar maximum phase now, which could last a year, it’s not possible to know exactly when the number of sunspots peaked until some time after it has happened.”
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis are caused by charged particles from the sun clashing with gases in the Earth‘s atmosphere.
Aurora refers to a natural light display, typically visible in high latitude regions such as the North and South poles.
But, areas closest to the aurora oval are the most likely places for a northern lights sighting.
However, there’s no guarantee you’ll see them, even after travelling all that way.
This adds to the Northern Lights’ rarity and makes them a highly sought after item on one’s bucket list.
The reason the lights become visible is when the solar wind, carrying the charged particles merges with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Greens and pinks and purple colourings then leak from the sky and display can last for hours.
Although it must be dark and the area must have little pollution.
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The top spots to see the Northern Lights
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), South Wales
According to the National Trust, visitors to Brecon Beacons may “from time to time” be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights.
The National Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning less light pollution – and a higher chance of seeing the dazzling phenomenon.
The location also boasts beautiful countryside, so even if conditions are bright and warm, visitors will still have plenty to marvel at.
Derwentwater, Cumbria
Northern Lights displays have been known to occasionally appear over the water in Derwentwater.
Dubbed the ‘Queen of the Lakes’, the area is still a beautiful spot for stargazing on clear nights, even if the Aurora Borealis is not visible.
Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
Broad Haven beach in Pembrokeshire is an ideal Dark Sky Discovery spot for watching the night sky, according to the National Trust.
It is part of the former grand estate at Stackpole.
“The car park above the beach provides a great vantage point – and the Northern Lights have been seen here in the past,” the National Trust writes on its website.
Eryri, Conwy
Llyn Geirionydd lake, which is close to the town of Betws-y-Coed, is a favourite viewing spot among the locals.
Snow-capped peaks provide the perfect backdrop to any Northern Lights pictures.
Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
This area was graced with bright aurora lights in 2023.
The phenomenon appeared over the skies of seaside towns Brancaster Staithe and Happisburgh.
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Sightings become rarer the further south you go.
But the payoff may be well worth the risk, as the lights can sometimes be seen dancing over Stonehenge in Wiltshire.
