Stargazers across the UK are in for a spectacular evening as the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are set to illuminate the skies. A red alert has been issued by Lancaster University, indicating a very high chance of witnessing this natural light display due to significant geomagnetic activity.

The Northern Lights appear as shimmering waves or curtains of colour, predominantly in shades of green, pink, and red. These stunning colours result from charged particles from the Sun, known as solar winds, colliding with gases in the Earth's upper atmosphere. The university's chart shows that the magnetic field strength has reached over 200 nanotesla (nT) for this evening, signalling optimal conditions for viewing.

The Met Office has also noted that a fast solar wind is expected to enhance the aurora's visibility through the weekend. They stated, "The arrival of a fast solar wind is expected to bring some enhancement to the aurora through Saturday 18 Oct and Sunday 19 Oct UTC. The best chance of viewing is over Scotland and similar geomagnetic latitudes."

Scotland, North England, North Wales, and Northern Ireland are the prime locations for observing the Northern Lights. However, under severe space weather conditions, the lights may be visible throughout the UK. For those who miss this opportunity, the winter of 2026 is anticipated to offer the best chances for viewing the aurora in a decade, particularly in January and February.

Next year will witness a once-in-a-decade phenomenon known as the solar maximum, characterised by heightened solar activity. Scientists predict this peak will last until March 2026 before subsiding until the mid-2030s. During these active periods, the Sun releases charged particles that travel through space at speeds of approximately one million miles per hour. When these particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere, resulting in the vibrant displays of light.

According to NASA, oxygen emits a greenish-yellow light, which is the most common colour of the aurora, as well as a red light. Nitrogen typically produces a blue light. Additionally, these molecules emit ultraviolet light, detectable only by specialised satellite cameras.

For those eager to experience the Northern Lights, there are numerous European destinations, including Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, that offer excellent viewing opportunities due to their proximity to the Arctic Circle. Stargazers are encouraged to take advantage of this rare celestial event while they can.