A rare opportunity to see the Northern Lights has been predicted to occur this evening across Lancashire.

According to a report by The Met Office a geomagnetic storm is taking place tonight, July 24, with a chance to see the spectacle across large parts of the UK for the second time this year.

Auroral displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles and during particularly powerful storms they can be seen hundreds of miles further south.

As a result, Northern areas of the UK will have the best chance of seeing the display this evening.

Last night Aurora Watch UK, based at Lancaster University, recorded high levels of magnetic activity which suggests the start of a Coronal Mass Ejection and the creation of a geomagnetic storm.

This storm could mean a colourful display as seen across the Northwest earlier this year, but the right weather conditions are required.

To have a chance to see the aurora, dark and clear conditions are required, and spectators must be away from light pollution.

The latest report from the Met Office’s space weather forecast predicts the geomagnetic storm at 11.59pm tonight.

A report on their website said: “A Coronal Mass Ejection is likely to arrive early on July 24, giving a peak chance of Strong Geomagnetic Storm conditions.

“This may result in auroral displays in Northern Ireland, northern England and similar geomagnetic latitudes, albeit impeded by the near full moon and limited hours of darkness.”

Many will be hoping that tonight the display will match the sightings in May when the aurora borealis was sighted throughout East Lancashire.

Sightings were captured in Blackburn, Whalley, Belthorn and Chipping with many sharing their photos on social media.

Light cloud is forecast throughout East Lancashire overnight but 12am to 12.30am will be the prime time to see the aurora, as this period is the astro twilight – the darkest period of the day.  

Aurora Watch also suggests looking north to have the best chance of seeing the show.