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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
William Mata

UK to be dazzled by Northern Lights: Where and how to see them

The evenings are getting longer in the UK as we head through March, but there are still chances to see a spectacle of the night that is the Northern Lights.

The Met Office has said that there are chances to see the aurora display this week in parts of the country - although you might have to be prepared to travel if you live in London.

Last year, the aurora borealis could be seen in Hyde Park, with stargazers getting a rare chance to enjoy the spectacle in the capital.

While this latest light show will not be quite as impressive for all, there is still a good opportunity for some to see what all the fuss is about.

Read also: Skygazers could be in for a treat with Northern Lights possible in parts of UK

What are the Northern Lights?

Aurora borealis displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles.

As they collide, light is emitted at various wavelengths, creating colourful displays in the sky.

In the northern hemisphere, most of this activity takes place within a band known as the aurora oval, covering latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees.

When activity is strong, this expands to cover a greater area, which is why displays can be occasionally seen as far south as the UK.

The best time to view the Northern Lights is usually just after sunset or just before sunrise.

When to see the Northern Lights this week

There is a last chance to see the aurora on Thursday and into Friday.

The Met Office has forecast that a sighting might be possible in Scotland “and similar geomagnetic latitudes” - meaning you will need to be north of the border.

“Through this evening and overnight, aurora sightings are possible over northern Scotland and potentially over much of Scotland where skies remain clear,” a statement read.

“There is perhaps a chance further south too, with long exposure photography.”

Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin has said there is a “heightened chance” of seeing them due to the low cloud coverage and clear skies in Scotland.

If you fancy a trip Down Under, the auroral oval can also be seen in Australia and New Zealand in a similar time period.

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