Where in UK you could see Northern Lights tonight if you missed them last night

Brits will either have woken up today feeling very smug or with a huge case of FOMO.

That’s after our Instagram feeds were flooded by people catching sight of the stunning Northern Lights across the UK last night (10 May).

Also known as aurora borealis, people from up in Whitley Bay to down in Kent were able to see the amazing colours across the sky from their own back garden.

But if you’re feeling left out because you decided to get an early night last night or had just totally missed the news it was happening, don’t lose hope yet – there is still a chance of seeing the Northern Lights again tonight.

The Northern Lights in Whitley Bay. (Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

Why are we able to see the Northern Lights in the UK?

The natural phenomena was visible from Britain due to the combination of clear skies and enhanced activity from the sun reaching our planet, according to the Met Office.

And now that summer is edging closer, we can hope for plenty more of these clearer nights.

What's the science behind the Northern Lights?

Visibility of the Northern Lights increased yesterday due to a huge solar storm.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that the G5 geomagnetic storm - the strongest level of geomagnetic storm hit Earth on Thursday and could have an impact on GPS, power grids and communications.

It took place due to a ‘large’ sunspot cluster – a mega 17 times the Earth’s diameter. Those famous different colours occur due to the varying gases in our atmosphere, which are energised by the charged particles.

Nitrogen emits purple, blue and pink colours, while oxygen emits green.

Brits flooded socials with their snaps. (PA)

So, when’s the best time to see the Northern Lights tonight?

If you’re hoping to get a glimpse of them tonight, the prime time in the UK will be between 10.00pm and 2.00am.

Unfortunately that window is quite short due to the shorter nights with this gorgeous warmer weather.

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in the UK tonight?

ITV News meteorologist and weather presenter Chris Page said: "Activity is expected to slowly decline, however there is a good chance (cloud permitting) you’ll be able to see it again tonight."

Krista Hammond, the Met Office’s space weather manager, added: “Aurora visibility may persist through Saturday night, but as it stands this is likely to be less widespread than on Friday night with northern parts of the UK most likely to continue to have the best viewing potential.”

Sadly, it seems those in the south of England who saw the aurora last night might not have a good enough view again this evening. But for northerners, it’s looking hopeful if the weather doesn’t ruin things.

Topics: Science, Space, Weather, UK News

Jess Battison

Jess is an Entertainment Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include keeping up with the Twitter girlies, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021 and has previously worked at MyLondon.

@jessbattison_