The Northern Lights could be set to return this month
The whole of the UK was treated to a display earlier this month
Last updated 17th May 2024
Earlier this month the whole of the UK was treated to an amazing display of the Aurora Borealis, known to many as the Northern Lights. From the north of Scotland to the south of England, and even across France, many had the chance to see the sky light up with beautiful colours of green, pink and purple, as the Earth's atmosphere was bombarded by particles from the Sun.
Sadly after just a couple of nights of a specatular show, the aurora has now not been visible to us, but it turns out it might be possible to see it again in just a couple of weeks!
What causes the Northern Lights?
Aurora is caused by particles from the Sun hitting the Earth's atmosphere, which in turn causes the amazing colours we see in the sky. The most recent peak of activity was caused by an active region of the Sun called 3664. This area has now turned away from the Earth, but it is thought it will face us again in a fortnight.
When will the Northern Lights be visible next in the UK?
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Warwick, Ravindra Desai, explained why we might see the aurora again in a couple of weeks. "It important to note that active region 3664 may persist for two weeks or longer and therefore will once again be oriented towards the Earth," he explained.
"So in two weeks there is an elevated chance of further major geomagnetic storms and aurora over the UK."
Although exact the date and time that they will next be visible is not known, we expect it to be towards the end of the month. Here's hoping for clear skies!
Take a look through our tips for viewing shooting stars and the aurora:
1. Dark sky
You might not realise how much light pollution there is in your neighbourhood, find out more about light pollution and where you can find a really dark sky here.
Allow your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Don't forget that the moon can also interfere so try to avoid times when it is visible.
2. Date and time
To increase your chances of seeing some meteors make sure you find out the best time to look for them. Often it is when the sky is at its darkest (in the middle of the night), or if there is a meteor shower, when the radiant (where the meteors come from - the constellation Leo) is high in the sky.
3. Look in the right area
It sounds obvious, but the sky is a very large area and meteors are very fast! Make sure you know which area of the sky you should be looking in. The Leonids come from Leo, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone. We've also included a video at the bottom of this page to help you find it.
4. Good weather
Again, it seems obvious, but there's no point in standing in the cold when it's cloudy. Check the weather forecast before going outside, and if it's going to be clear later on then wait until then if you can.
5. Don't use a telescope or binoculars
Using a telescope or binoculars will DECREASE your chances of seeing a meteor. Meteors are so quick that you are likely to miss them if you don't use the naked eye. Save your telescope or binoculars for the moon or planets.
Now read:
118 brand new emojis are on the way - Including a phoenix, lime & shaking head
How to get a whopping 59 DAYS of leave using only 28 in 2025
13 tips for saving energy and money around the house