The UK was treated to a stunning spectacle overnight as the Northern Lights were visible across the country... and they may appear again tonight.
The latest display was caused by a "fast-moving Coronal Mass Ejection" that left the Sun late on Saturday, August 30.
It was forecast to arrive at Earth late on Monday evening, September 1, and it did just that, causing a "significant enhancement of the auroral oval" and treating many to seeing the Aurora Borealis light up the night sky.
Stargazers on Monday night reported sightings in north-east Scotland, northern England and the Midlands, with photos on social media showing the lights as far south as West Cork in Ireland.
Will the Northern Lights be visible again tonight?
The Met Office predicts that there will be a chance to see the Northern Lights again on the evening of Tuesday, September 2, into Wednesday, September 3, thanks to the solar storm continuing.
It says: "At peak activity, and where skies are sufficiently dark and clear, aurora may be visible across much of the UK, potentially without the need for photographic equipment.
"However, a waxing gibbous Moon may hinder visibility in some areas."
It is best to view the Northern Lights in a dark location with minimal to no light pollution.
While they are sometimes difficult to spot with the naked eye in the UK, your phone can help take pictures.
Tuesday and Wednesday will see nighttime viewing conditions worsen, but northern Scotland and northern England are likely to have the clearest skies, although they will still not be ideal viewing conditions.
Tips for Night Sky Photos on Your Phone
For those in more marginal locations, further south or in urban areas, light pollution will play a significant role in determining whether the aurora can be seen.
Krista Hammond, Met Office space weather manager, said: “Forecasts can change rapidly, so we encourage the public to stay updated with the latest information.”
What causes the Northern Lights?
If you are wondering what causes the Northern Lights, the Royal Museums Greenwich has explained.
It said: "Solar storms on our star's surface give out huge clouds of electrically charged particles. These particles can travel millions of miles, and some may eventually collide with the Earth.
“Most of these particles are deflected away, but some become captured in the Earth’s magnetic field, accelerating down towards the north and south poles into the atmosphere. This is why aurora activity is concentrated at the magnetic poles.”
Northern Lights delivered last night from Scotland, north Wales and even down to Norfolk and Kent! Increased solar activity likely to continue tonight with chance of a stronger display.#aurora #northernlights pic.twitter.com/clt5F3uEfR
— Simon King (@SimonOKing) September 2, 2025
Royal Observatory astronomer, Tom Kerss, added: “These particles then slam into atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere and essentially heat them up.
“We call this physical process ‘excitation’, but it’s very much like heating a gas and making it glow.”
Recommended reading:
- How can you take a photo of the Northern Lights? A guide for beginners
- Can the Northern Lights be seen with the naked eye? All you need to know
- Why are the Northern Lights becoming more visible in the south?
The Northern Lights have become more visible in the UK in recent years due to an increase in solar activity.
As a result, more of the Sun's electrically charged particles are travelling towards the Earth and getting caught in its magnetic field, thus producing a more pronounced aurora effect.
Mr Hammond added: "Over the coming years, as we continue towards the solar maximum, we can expect to see an increase in the frequency of space weather events, with more chances to see the Aurora Borealis over the UK.”
