The Northern Lights could be visible again in the UK tomorrow as the Met Office has issued a warning with a 90% chance.
Streaks of pink and green light, also known as the aurora borealis, were seen across the UK and parts of Europe last week.
5
The aurora borealis dazzled the UK last weekend (Pictured: Whitley Bay on May 10) Credit: PA
5
Images show strengthening aurora over parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday night at 9pm Credit: Met office
5
An extreme geomagnetic storm caused them to be more visible, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
But Britons were left disappointed this weekend after the phenomenon failed to dazzle the country’s skies despite forecasts.
Now the Met Office has said more significant space weather activity is expected on Monday evening.
A “red alert” has been issued – meaning the aurora will be visible by eye and camera from anywhere in the UK.
The images show an increase in the aurora over parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland at 9pm.
AURORA FORECAST
No significant space weather activity is expected overnight Sunday into Monday (May 19-20), and aurora sightings are unlikely.
An auroral enhancement could occur on Monday evening (May 20-21) following the possible arrival of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the sun late on Friday May 17.
After the arrival of the CME, the aurora may become visible, where the sky is clear, in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with a small possibility that aurora views may also be possible from northern England and North Wales.
After this activity, a drop in auroral activity is expected, although the reliability is lower than usual and an occasional slight enhancement of the aurora cannot be ruled out.
Source: Met Office
There is a small chance that northern England and North Wales will also be able to see the aurora.
Met Office space weather expert Krista Hammond said: “The sunspot area will return to the side facing the Earth towards the sun.”
Auroras occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles.
The sun is currently in the most active period of its 11-year cycle.
Ms Hammond continued: “We’re at solar maximum right now and we’re seeing more sunspots.
See the huge solar flare that exploded days after the severe storm that led to the northern lights
“If we see more sunspots, we’ll see an increased frequency of space weather, and thus an aurora.”
The forecaster played down the chances of a complete repeat of last weekend’s display, but said more solar activity would mean a good chance of sightings “in the coming weeks, months and years”.
“It was a unique set of circumstances that happened last weekend.
“The chances of the same sunspots doing the same thing again – are probably very small.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it shows up and there’s some activity on it, but I suspect it won’t be a repeat performance.”
Where exhibitions can be seen in the UK is dictated by the “strength of the geomagnetic storm”, she said.
5
The stunning display could be seen as far south as Minster on Sea in KentCredit: Alamy
5
Aurora Borealis seen over Staffordshire on May 10 Credit: Reuters
WHAT ARE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
AURORA displays are created when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles.
In the Northern Hemisphere, most of this activity occurs within a band known as the auroral oval, covering latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees.
When the activity is strong, it expands to cover a larger area – which explains why displays can occasionally be seen as far south as the UK.
Visibility of the Northern Lights increased on Friday due to an “extreme” geomagnetic storm, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The phenomenon appears as beautiful dancing green and purple ribbons of light that have captivated people for millennia.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education