Met Office experts explain how to see the Northern Lights tonight in England

The Northern Lights will be visible in parts of the UK this evening (Friday 10 May). Clear skies will mean high visibility.

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon explained that the aurora will be visible tonight mainly in the north of the UK, but could be visible further south if you have the right equipment.

He said: “Although the shorter nights will limit the window of visibility, there is a good chance of seeing the aurora, particularly on Friday evening and particularly in Scotland, Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales.

“There could even be visibility further south if you have the right equipment. Those conditions could continue into Saturday night, but we still need to work out some details on exactly where that will be.”

READ MORE: Just when temperatures will soar this week as a 5-day ‘pollen bomb’ hits London

Mr Dixon said the combination of clear skies and increased activity from the sun reaching Earth would improve the chances of seeing the display.

How to see the northern lights in London and southern England

ITV meteorologist Chris Page has given some advice for those in the south who want to see the aurora.

He advised looking around the camera with a long exposure, keeping the camera steady so it could capture the image. You’ll need to look toward the northern horizon, so be sure to download a compass app to your phone in advance (or get out your physical compass if you have one).

To make long exposure videos on your phone, you can select “night” mode.