The Northern Lights could be visible as far south as Wiltshire this evening, according to forecasts from the Met Office.
Normally seen in the far north of the UK, the aurora borealis may extend across much of England if conditions remain clear, offering a rare spectacle for stargazers.
The Met Office Space Weather forecast said: “The expected arrival of two Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) later on Tuesday and into Wednesday (UTC) is likely to bring the potential for visible aurora across parts of northern UK and similar geomagnetic latitudes given clear skies. Visible aurora perhaps possible further south given ideal viewing conditions and equipment. Activity then becoming more generally restricted to higher latitudes Into Thursday and Friday (UTC).”
This means that the Northern Lights, more commonly seen in Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales and northern England, could be visible across central and southern parts of the country, including Swindon and Wiltshire. For those hoping to catch a glimpse, the best viewing window is expected between 9pm and 2am.
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. These particles are carried towards the planet by solar winds following powerful eruptions on the sun’s surface known as coronal mass ejections. When they interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, they accelerate towards the poles and excite atmospheric gases, producing vivid displays of light across the sky.
The Royal Museums Greenwich describe the Northern Lights as “one of the most spectacular displays in the night sky” and explain that the phenomenon occurs due to solar storms emitting “huge clouds of electrically charged particles”. While most of these are deflected away from Earth, some become trapped within the magnetic field, spiralling towards the polar regions where they produce luminous ribbons of colour.
Different colours within the aurora are caused by specific gases being energised by these charged particles. Oxygen is responsible for the green hues most commonly seen, while nitrogen can produce purple, blue and pink tones depending on how it is ionised. The result is a shifting display of colours that ripple and glow against the night sky.
In scientific terms, the phenomenon offers a striking reminder of how space weather directly affects our planet. In visual terms, it remains one of nature’s most captivating performances. For those living in southern England, the prospect of seeing the Northern Lights is relatively rare. Experts recommend seeking out dark, rural areas away from light pollution to improve visibility, particularly with clear skies and a north-facing horizon.
The event follows increased solar activity in recent months, with geomagnetic storms boosting the likelihood of aurora sightings across Europe. While such displays are typically confined to high latitudes, strong solar events can extend the visible range far beyond the usual boundaries.
If forecasts prove accurate, parts of central and southern England may experience their best chance in years to witness the aurora. Whether viewed through a camera lens or the naked eye, the Northern Lights continue to inspire fascination and wonder, connecting local observers to a cosmic event taking place millions of miles away.
