When the Met Office says you can see the Northern Lights
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.
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.
What are the Northern Lights?
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.
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.
