Northern lights alert, display may be visible again in UK on Saturday

Scientists at Aurora Watch UK have issued a red alert that the northern lights could be visible again across large parts of the UK on Saturday 18 May, following last weekend’s spectacular displays. Scientists from the Space and Planetary Physics group at Lancaster University’s Department of Physics said: ‘The aurora is likely to be visible to the eye from Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland; possibly visible from elsewhere in the UK.

“The aurora photos are probably from anywhere in the UK.”

Last week, the Aurora Borealis was visible across the country as solar radiation crashed into the Earth’s atmosphere, creating brilliant sheets of green, pink and purple light across the night sky.

The Met Office’s space weather unit says “improving aurora is likely by early May 18” and added: “The aurora may become visible as far south as parts of Scotland where skies are clear. Mainly background aurora conditions are expected later”.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said a G5 geomagnetic storm was created by a “large and complex” group of sunspots 17 times the diameter of the earth. A solar storm this powerful has not been seen for more than 20 years.

Tonight could be the last display of the current storm, but the BBC reports that another solar flare is expected in two weeks, when the sunspot that created the northern lights spins back towards Earth. The Sun is approaching what is called “solar maximum” — a point during an 11-year cycle when its activity is at its strongest.

Thunderstorms are usually most visible in the early morning hours. They can be seen at any time after the sky is dark, but are easiest to see around 2am or 3am. Setting your camera to night mode will ensure the best possible images.

How to see the northern lights

1. Get away from light pollution: Find a place away from city lights. National parks and remote areas are ideal.
2. Be patient and be prepared: Dress warmly as you will be outside in cold conditions for several hours. Bring snacks, a hot drink and a blanket or portable chair.
3. Tips for photography:
   • Use a camera with manual settings.
   • Set a small aperture (f/2.8 or smaller).
   • Use a high ISO setting (800-3200).
   • Set a long exposure time (10-25 seconds).
   • Use a tripod to keep your camera steady.