Northern Lights set to be visible across the UK this week
Here's hoping for good weather!
Last updated 12th Nov 2025
It's a rare occurrence in the UK, but this week we are being treated to an amazing display of the Aurora Borealis, known to many as the Northern Lights. Following some viewings earlier this week, on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th November, the UK could be in for an even bigger treat... if the weather is good.
From the north of Scotland to the south of England, and even across Europe, members of the public are set to see beautiful colours of green, pink and purple, as the Earth's atmosphere is bombarded by particles from the Sun.
When will the Northern Lights be visible next in the UK?
While the weather isn't looking very promising, BBC Weather has shared a map showing areas of the UK which might get a viewing of the natural phenomenon. The official X account wrote: 'Increased recent solar activity led to spectacular display of the northern lights above the UK last night - for those who saw clear skies at least.
'Another display is possible tonight, but will the weather be on your side?'
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 Sun is going through an active phase, and several Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) and solar flares are causing a geomagnetic storm (disturbance in the Earth's atmosphere).
According to the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the latest storm is expected to be Strong or Severe on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th November, meaning we should have more aurora due this week!
You can view their 30 minute forecast for the Aurora on their website.
Why are they different colours?
The different colours from the aurora are created by the different gases in the Earth's atmosphere. The purple, blue or pink colours are caused by nitrogen, while the green colour comes from oxygen.
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich website, astronomer Tom says: "We sometimes see a wonderful scarlet red colour, and this is caused by very high altitude oxygen interacting with solar particles. This only occurs when the aurora is particularly energetic."
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 Perseids come from Perseus, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone.
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.
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