The Met Office say the aurora borealis, better known as the Northern Lights, will be visible across the UK this week – but will it be visible in Lancashire?

Two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) left the sun on March 28 and arrived at Earth overnight on March 30 into 31, resulting in minor geomagnetic storms.

While they were visible in some parts of the country last night (March 30) these enhanced geomagnetic storm conditions will continue tonight, into Friday and the weekend, meaning there is the chance for aurora sightings.

According to the British Geological Survey, the best time to see the aurora with the naked eye is tonight (March 31) and Friday (April 1).

 

In the UK, those in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland may have the best opportunities.

What is a geomagnetic storm and should I be worried about it?

 

Minor-Moderate geomagnetic storms are expected today and Friday  with a chance of a G3/Strong storm.

These storms are large disturbances in the earth's magnetic field caused by changes in the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) structure.

The effect of geomagnetic storms can result in impacts to power systems, spacecraft operations and other communications systems.

The geostorms predicted this week are nothing to worry about and are “unlikely” to have an impact on the UK power grid.

Will the Northern Lights be visible in Lancashire?

 

We asked the Met Office if the aurora borealis will be visible across Lancashire.

While they couldn’t provide a definitive ‘yes’ or’ no’ answer, they did say the chance of spotting the sky display increases the further north you travel.

A spokesperson said: “As ever, the further north the better the potential for sighting the aurora, with the best chance across Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

“Should we see a stronger storm, then the aurora may be seen further south than this, across part of the north of England.

“Beyond this coming night, following a solar flare yesterday evening we are expecting the arrival of a further coronal mass ejection overnight on Friday into Saturday.

“This also brings the potential for aurora sightings, again most likely across Scotland but potentially Northern Ireland and the North of England, overnight on Friday into Saturday.

“Of course, sighting the aurora is dependent on clear skies.  For the best chance, look towards the northern horizon where there is minimal light pollution.”

What is the weather forecast in Lancashire?

 

Spotting the aurora borealis is entirely dependent on the weather forecast – so what’s the outlook in Lancashire?

Today, the weather is set to be cloudy across the county with heavy rain predicted in some parts of the region.

However, the clouds are set to clear from 8pm onwards which is great news for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora.

It’s a similar picture tomorrow with rain forecast in the day with cloudy skies predicted from 6pm onwards in most parts of the county.

What time will the aurora borealis be visible?

 

The website AuroraWatch UK, which is run by scientists at Lancaster University’s Department of Physics, predict that the Aurora borealis will be most visible tonight between 9pm and 3am.

They use uses magnetometers to predict when aurora borealis might be visible in the UK.