The ‘red alert’ has been issued as the northern lights are ‘likely’ to be ‘visible anywhere in the UK’ on Friday 28 June

The Northern Lights are ‘likely’ to be visible in the UK on Friday 28 June. AuroraWatch UK, which monitors aurora borealis activity, has issued a “red alert”.

This means that “the aurora is likely to be visible to the eye and camera from anywhere in the UK”. AuroraWatch, which is run by scientists from the Space and Planetary Physics group at Lancaster University’s Department of Physics, issued the alert on Friday afternoon.

Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles. In the Northern Hemisphere, most of this activity takes place in a band known as the auroral oval, which covers latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees.

When the activity is strong, it spreads out to cover a larger area – which explains why displays can occasionally be seen as far south as the UK.

AuroraWatch also issued a warning note, saying: “Please note that even though we will issue an alert, local conditions will still need to be right for you to see the aurora. For more information on the conditions you need, please read our blog. entrance.”

He also explained why he issues alerts during the day, adding: “Our alerts are fully automated; are emitted when the disturbance of the Earth’s magnetic field reaches certain thresholds. This, of course, can occur at any time of the day, even though the aurora itself can only be seen during darkness.

“We still choose to issue alerts during the day for a few reasons. First, daytime alerts let you know in advance that activity is up, and if such activity continues into the evening, it gives you time to prepare for aurora hunting later. on.”