The Northern Lights could be visible across Lancashire this week, according to the Met Office.

There is a chance to see the display, also known as aurora borealis, on several occasions this week.

Stargazers have been asked to keep their eyes on the sky tonight (October 8), the early hours of Wednesday and Thursday.

While the forecast is subject to change, the Met Office said people in Lancashire, and other parts of northern England, have the best chance of seeing the display on Thursday, October 10.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “For tonight and early morning Wednesday, there will only be a slight chance of visible aurora across the far north of Scotland.

“Further ahead this week, a further coronal mass ejection (CME), [an ejection from the sun which causes the aurora] could give a glancing impact, most likely on Thursday. This forecast may change however, as this CME is still under assessment.

“Any impact that may occur could bring visible aurora as far south as areas including southern Scotland and perhaps the far north of England.

“Please feel free to check back in with us on tomorrow.”

For the best chance of spotting the aurora, look to the north. The best time to see the northern lights is usually between 11 PM and 2 AM, when the sky is clear and dark.

2024 has been a bumper year for aurora borealis sightings in the UK, with the highlight coming in May when it was visible in gardens across the country.

They were also seen across East Lancashire in September.

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Lancashire?

There are some excellent star gazing spots and dark sky discovery sites across Lancashire – particularly in the Forest of Bowland. Skies here have been recognized as some of the darkest in England and granted official status as Dark Sky Discovery Sites

1. Forest of Bowland: Light pollution from the county's urban sprawl means there is diminishing territory where astronomers can catch astronomical events.

Bowland has no fewer than five officially designated 'dark skies' spots across the forest - Beacon Fell Country Park, Gisburn Forest Hub, Slaidburn village car park, the Crook o’ Lune Picnic Site and Clerk Laithe Lodge guest house at Newton-in-Bowland.

2. Clitheroe Castle: Clitheroe Castle is located in the heart of the Ribble Valley and is one of the best places for stargazing in East Lancashire.

With its elevated position, the castle offers an uninterrupted view of the night sky, and it's a popular spot for local astronomy groups.

The hill offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way and other celestial wonders

The castle often hosts stargazing events, so be sure to check their website for upcoming dates.

3. Pendle Hill: Pendle Hill is a popular spot for hiking and walking, but it's also a great place for stargazing.

Just be sure to bring warm clothing, as it can get chilly at the top, and due to the uneven terrain of the hill it would not be advised ascending or descending in darkness unless an experienced hiker.

4. Tockholes Plantation: Tockholes Plantation is a woodland area located just outside of Blackburn that is perfect for stargazing.

The plantation is far away from the city lights, and it offers a dark and peaceful atmosphere for watching the stars.

It's a great spot for a quiet night out with friends or family, and there are several hiking trails in the area for daytime exploration.