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Coronal Mass Ejection to Bring Rare Aurora Borealis Sightings to Britain
6 Nov
Summary
- Met Office issues 'red alert' for potential Northern Lights visibility
- Auroral oval expected to extend as far south as Lancashire, Midlands, and Wales
- Solar activity at peak of 11-year cycle, increasing chances of UK aurora displays
According to the latest forecasts, people across the UK could have the chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights display on the night of November 7th, 2025. The Met Office has issued a 'red alert' for the event, indicating that with relatively clear skies, the Aurora Borealis may be visible to the naked eye from various parts of the country.
The increased geomagnetic activity is being attributed to a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun, which is expected to hit the Earth's atmosphere imminently. This solar eruption of charged particles is set to enhance the auroral oval, potentially extending it as far south as Lancashire, the Midlands, and Wales, although the Met Office has cautioned that confidence in these lower latitude sightings is relatively low.
The UK is currently experiencing an uptick in Northern Lights displays, thanks to the Sun's solar cycle reaching its peak. According to the Royal Astronomical Society, this 11-year cycle is characterized by a rise in sunspots, flares, and CMEs, all of which contribute to the increased chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis at lower latitudes, including within the UK.
