AuroraWatch UK: Catch the Northern Lights in the UK
Free service from UK scientists
AuroraWatch UK is a free service that provides alerts when the aurora, or northern lights, is likely to be visible from the UK. The service is run by scientists at Lancaster University and the University of Southampton.
How does it work?
AuroraWatch UK uses magnetometers to detect when aurora activity is likely. Magnetometers measure changes in the Earth's magnetic field, which are caused by the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's atmosphere. When the solar wind is particularly strong, it can cause the Earth's magnetic field to become disturbed, which in turn can lead to the formation of auroras.
What can you see?
Auroras appear as green, purple, pink, or red hues dancing above the horizon. The most common type of aurora is the green aurora, which is caused by oxygen atoms in the atmosphere. Purple and pink auroras are caused by nitrogen atoms, and red auroras are caused by hydrogen atoms.
When and where can you see them?
Auroras are most commonly visible during the winter months, when the nights are longer and the skies are darker. They can be seen from anywhere in the UK, but they are most likely to be visible from the northern parts of the country. The best time to see the aurora is between 10pm and 1am.
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