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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Northern Lights could be visible in UK this week - exact places to see stunning aurora

Brits could be treated to a natural delight tonight as the Northern Lights sweep down parts of the country.

Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the phenomenon is a result of a benign solar flare hitting Earth's atmosphere, causing a spectacular light show visible in the night sky.

It is best viewed away from built-up areas, in locations where there is little to no cloud cover.

The lights have been seen in the UK multiple times this year - even going as far south as Cornwall in a rare moment back in April - and forecasters say they could potentially appear a little outside the normal range again on Thursday night.

Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England will be the most likely to see the natural light display (PA)

According to the Met Office, the aurora is most likely to be seen under clear skies in Scotland, the north of England and Northern Ireland.

But should conditions be right, people in the Midlands and North Wales could also be given a peek at the majestic display over the northern horizon.

The Met Office said: “No significant enhancements are expected until later on May 10 or early May 11 with the anticipated arrival of a fairly large Coronal Mass Ejection that left the sun late on May 7.

"In the most likely scenario aurora would become visible where skies are clear to Scotland as well as the north of England and Northern Ireland.

The Northern Lights were recently named at the top of the UK public's sightseeing 'bucket list' (Cat Perkinton / SWNS)

“There is a slight chance that the auroral oval could move further south to allow views from North Wales and the Midlands given clear views of the northern horizon. From May 12, onwards the auroral oval is most likely to return to or near to background levels.”

The lights are being caused by a large hole on the surface of the Sun, which generates solar winds that are pushed towards Earth in a 'coronal mass ejection'.

It comes after a new travel poll showed that the Northern Lights topped the UK public's sightseeing 'bucket list', even coming ahead of trips to the Pyramids in Egypt and going on safari in Africa.

While Iceland is usually seen as the go-to spot during the peak season, Jack Mitchell from travel money firm FairFX, has suggests people should instead head to Sweden - specifically, the little-known town of Abisko, in the north of the Scandinavian country.

The snowy Swedish settlement is one of the best spots to clearly witness the natural phenomenon between September and March - without the eyewatering accommodation costs compared to Iceland.

Those seeking the Northern Lights abroad on a budget can make further savings by hiring a car and downloading free apps to discover the prime locations - as opposed to forking out for a tour and a guide.

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