What's happened
The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, could be visible again in the UK in the coming weeks due to increased solar activity. Recent geomagnetic storms have made the lights visible across the UK and parts of Europe. Experts from the Met Office and other institutions predict that the sunspot region responsible for these storms will rotate back towards Earth, potentially causing more displays. The sun is currently in its most active period of an 11-year cycle, increasing the likelihood of such events.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
According to The Independent, 'The Northern Lights could be visible again in the UK over the coming weeks,' citing space weather forecasters. The Guardian's Kevin Rawlinson notes that 'the phenomenon was likely to occur more frequently over the next few years' due to the sun's 11-year cycle. Metro adds that 'the geomagnetic storm last weekend was the first time in 20 years that displays of the aurora borealis could be seen across the UK so clearly.' BBC News' Georgina Rannard confirms that 'the huge sunspot cluster that hurled energy and gas towards Earth will rotate back towards us in around two weeks.'
How we got here
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles. These particles are often released during solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which are more frequent during the sun's 11-year activity cycle. The sun is currently approaching its 'solar maximum,' a period of heightened activity that increases the likelihood of geomagnetic storms. These storms can disrupt power and communication systems but also create stunning aurora displays. Recent solar activity has already caused visible Northern Lights across the UK and parts of Europe.
Go deeper
- How often do the Northern Lights appear in the UK?
- What causes the Northern Lights to be visible?
- How can solar activity impact our daily lives?
Common question
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An aurora, also known polar lights, aurora polaris, northern lights, aurora borealis, or southern lights, aurora australis, is a natural light display in Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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