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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Kaitlin Easton

Scots could see Northern Lights with aurora borealis 'likely' tonight

The Northern Lights are expected to be visible across Scotland and northern England this evening.

Scots are in with a good chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis on Sunday April 23 and Monday April 24.

Aurora Watch UK and the Met Office have both predicted a good chance of seeing the natural phenomenon this evening but noted that cloudy conditions could hinder this.

Clearer skies on Monday evening mean there will be an even greater chance for stargazers to get a good view of the colourful display.

Sharing a video on Twitter, the Met Office said they are expected to be visible between 7pm on Sunday and 5am on Monday, reappearing at 8pm on Monday evening.

A spectacular view of the Northern Lights over the Highlands in northern Scotland in February (Mark Janes / SWNS)

The Met Office wrote: "In Scotland and northern England you may be able to spot the #Aurora Borealis tonight, though there will be too much cloud for most Clearer skies tomorrow night mean there will be a greater chance for some good views."

Aurora Watch UK also sent out a 'red alert' and said "It is likely that Aurora will be visible by eye and camera from anywhere in the UK".

The natural light display - more typically visible in high-latitude regions around the Artic and Antarctic - is better seen in a dark location with no light pollution, with cloudless skies.

The atmospheric phenomenon is caused when solar particles from the sun collide with Earth's atmosphere. These energised particles combine with nitrogen and oxygen molecules, which send them into an excited state.

The phenomenon of the Northern Lights sees beautiful coloured lights dance across the sky (AFP via Getty Images)

Once these charged particles relax, they release light - producing the aurora borealis causing undulating waves of green, purple, and red lights across the sky.

The incredible light show has graced skies across Scotland numerous times already this year and many are hoping they will be in for the same treat again tonight.

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