The new map has revealed which parts of the UK could catch a glimpse of the dazzling display
(Image: Met Office)

Met Office map shows where Northern Lights may be visible in UK tonight

by · Manchester Evening News

A Met Office map has revealed where in the UK the Northern Lights may be visible tonight (Saturday, October 5). The Northern Lights could put on a show across the UK with recent solar flares creating the potential for a 'breathtaking' display.

The display, also known as aurora borealis, is most likely to be visible in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England. However, there is also potential for the lights to be seen further south due to intense activity on the sun.

Forecasters have predicted that areas with clear skies will be most likely to catch a glimpse of the display, as well as on Sunday and Monday. A new map shows from which parts of the UK the lights may be visible.

READ MORE What time the Northern Lights could be visible over Greater Manchester tonight

According to the Met Office 'Saturday night has the greatest likelihood of aurora sightings further south, across central England'. Those keen to catch a glimpse of the shades of green and purple shining across the sky are most likely to catch the spectacle late at night – usually from 11pm to 12am onwards.

"To maximise your chances of viewing the aurora, the sky needs to be as clear as possible," Silvia Dalla, professor of solar physics at the University of Central Lancashire, said.

"Look northwards and try to find a place with dark skies, ideally away from a city where light pollution can interfere with the view."

Recent solar flare activity on the sun means the auroras will be stronger than usual. As a result the Met Office believes where is a 'good chance of visible aurora' in some areas of the country.

Northern Lights could be seen over the weekend
(Image: UGC)

Dr Steph Yardley, a space scientist at Northumbria University, said the region of the Sun which has been producing the flares, has been particularly active.

She explained: “This region on the Sun is one to watch as it has been quite active over the past few days, previously producing another strong flare on October 1 that was also associated with a solar eruption.

“Both eruptions associated with the strong flares are Earth-directed and we expect them to impact us sometime between October 4-6, meaning auroras might be visible in Scotland and North England during this period.”