Northern Lights Illuminate UK Skies Amidst Increasing Solar Activity

The Northern Lights, known scientifically as the aurora borealis, graced the night skies over the United Kingdom once again, offering stunning views from Scotland to as far south as London. This event has been attributed to a significant geomagnetic storm influenced by solar activity, which the Met Office described as “severe” and expected to impact Earth overnight on October 10, 2024.

The Met Office had initially predicted that the auroras would be visible no further south than the Midlands, but clearer skies allowed sightings even further south. Stephen Dixon, a spokesperson for the Met Office, noted, “In terms of cloud cover overnight, there are relatively clear skies for much of the UK, so there is a decent chance of visibility.” Dixon did note, however, that parts of western Scotland might have visibility hindered by showers and patchy clouds.

The increased frequency of aurora sightings in the UK during 2024 is linked to the sun approaching the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. During this “solar maximum,” heightened sunspot activity can lead to coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which release large bursts of energy capable of creating such auroral displays. The UK has been fortunate to witness these natural spectacles more frequently as a result.

Sean Elvidge, a professor of space environment at the University of Birmingham, identified that the recent visibility of the Northern Lights was due to the largest geomagnetic storm seen since 2003. Meanwhile, Met Office weather forecaster Craig Snell mentioned that a solar storm had caused a powerful flare from the sun earlier in the week, contributing to the displays.

Looking ahead, residual aurora sightings could still be possible over the weekend, particularly in Scotland, although the visibility may be affected by rain and cloud cover. The current period represents the best opportunity for stargazers, as the intensity of solar activity is expected to diminish gradually after reaching its peak.