What Is the Aurora Borealis
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a natural light display caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. In the UK, it usually appears as faint green or red glows near the northern horizon.
How the Met Office Tracks Aurora Activity
The Met Office monitors space weather using data from agencies such as the Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre. It provides forecasts and alerts that indicate when geomagnetic conditions may produce visible aurora across the UK.
Best Conditions and Viewing Tips
Clear, dark skies away from light pollution improve chances of seeing the aurora. The Met Office advises checking its aurora forecast and geomagnetic activity indexes before planning a viewing trip. For more details on forecasts, visit Met Office Space Weather.
