Live Aurora Alert: Northern Lights Dazzling the Skies Over UK & US Right Now!

Tonight, 12 September, the UK and 17 US states can witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights thanks to intense solar activity that has triggered a significant geomagnetic storm. This comes after the detection of an X-class solar flare early Thursday morning, a powerful event that’s “not common” but also “not necessarily unusual” at this stage of the solar cycle.

What to Expect?

The aurora borealis is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, creating breathtaking displays of color. Tonight’s conditions are expected to be ideal for viewing, thanks to minimal cloud cover and heightened geomagnetic activity following a recent coronal mass ejection from the sun. The Met Office has issued a forecast indicating that this stunning light display could be visible in various regions of UK, US, and Canada. Remember, while the possibility exists, viewing opportunities may be limited in the lower 48 states. 

When?

According to the Met Office, the best chances to see the lights will be during the dark hours of the evening, especially in the first half of the night. The prime viewing time is expected to be between midnight and 3 am on Friday, 13 September.

Best Viewing Locations

For those eager to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder, here are some of the best locations to consider in the UK:

• Scotland: Areas in the Highlands and the Western Isles, such as the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris, are prime spots due to their dark skies and northern latitude.
• Northern Ireland: The Antrim coast offers excellent viewing conditions, particularly in rural areas away from city lights.
• Northern England: Locations like Northumberland National Park and the Yorkshire Dales are also recommended, where the skies are less polluted by artificial light.

While Canada and Alaska have the best chances for viewing, the northern lights may be visible across 17 U.S. states:

• Washington
• Oregon
• Idaho
• Montana
• Wyoming
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Nebraska
• Minnesota
• Iowa
• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Michigan
• New York
• New Hampshire
• Vermont
• Maine

For now, the geomagnetic storm has reached G3 level, which could potentially impact infrastructure, satellite operations, and GPS systems. However, experts assure that these sectors are prepared for such events.

To enhance your chances of spotting the Northern Lights, seek out locations away from city lights and pollution. Rural areas or designated dark sky parks are ideal. Position yourself facing the northern horizon, as this is where the auroras will appear.

Photos

Right now, users on X (formerly Twitter) are sharing breathtaking photos of the stunning auroras lighting up the night sky. Take your iPhone or camera, go outside, and join the spectecular celectial show for free!