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What causes auroras to be visible in the UK and North America?
Auroras are caused by solar particles colliding with Earth's magnetic field, creating stunning light displays in the sky. Recent solar storms, especially coronal mass ejections from the sun, have intensified these interactions, making auroras visible much further south than usual, including parts of the UK and North America.
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Are auroras becoming more common?
Auroras are linked to the solar cycle, which peaks approximately every 11 years. During solar maximum, solar activity increases, leading to more frequent and intense auroras. The current solar storm suggests we are in a period of heightened activity, so auroras may become more common during this time.
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What weather conditions affect aurora viewing?
Clear, dark skies are essential for seeing auroras. Cloud cover, light pollution, and moonlight can all hinder visibility. For the best experience, look for nights with minimal clouds and a new moon or low moonlight, away from city lights.
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Where are the best spots to see the northern lights?
The best places to view auroras are in northern regions with minimal light pollution, such as parts of Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland. In North America, areas like northern states and provinces, including parts of Canada and Alaska, offer prime viewing spots. Check local forecasts for aurora activity and weather conditions.
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How long will the aurora displays last?
Aurora displays can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on solar activity and geomagnetic conditions. The current solar storm is expected to continue into Thursday, so there may be multiple opportunities to see the lights during this period.
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Will this happen again soon?
Solar storms are part of the natural solar cycle, which peaks roughly every 11 years. While intense storms like the current one are less common, they do happen periodically. Keep an eye on space weather forecasts for future aurora opportunities.