What makes the Northern Lights glow
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a spectacular display caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions release energy as light in shades of green, purple, pink and red. The colors you see depend on the type of gas and the altitude at which the interactions occur. The result is a living light show that can flare across the sky in minutes or linger for hours on clear, dark nights.
Why 2026 could be unusually vibrant
Earth’s magnetic shield, the magnetosphere, sometimes wobbles in response to solar activity. Over the last year or two, the Sun has been moving through a more active phase of its roughly 11-year cycle, sending more energetic solar winds toward our planet. As a consequence, the likelihood of powerful auroral displays rises during peak periods. Space weather forecasters monitor sunspot numbers, solar flares and coronal mass ejections to predict when the aurora could be strong enough to be seen from lower latitudes, including parts of the United Kingdom.
What kind of year can we expect in 2026?
Scientists expect 2026 to bring periodic increases in solar wind speed and magnetic disturbances. While predicting the exact timing and intensity of auroras is inherently uncertain, a series of high-activity windows is plausible around geomagnetic storms triggered by solar activity. For observers, this means more opportunities—especially on clear, dark nights away from light pollution—for vivid auroras to spill into the night sky long after sunset.
Where and when to look for the Northern Lights in the UK
In the UK, the best chances appear when a strong solar wind hits Earth and skies are free of cloud. Rural counties far from city lights, with a clear horizon to the north, provide the strongest viewing conditions. Popular viewing periods are typically during the late autumn and winter months, when nights are longest and skies darkest. However, mid-winter cold snaps can occasionally give a dramatic auroral show if activity is high enough.
How to maximize your chances
- Check aurora forecasts and space weather alerts from reliable sources and listen for local weather updates to avoid cloud cover.
- Pick a dark site with a broad view of the northern horizon and give yourself at least 1–2 hours of waiting time.
- Dress warmly and bring something comfortable to observe the sky for prolonged periods.
- Be patient: auroras can arrive suddenly or fade without warning. A flexible plan improves your odds.
- Capture the moment with a tripod and camera settings tuned for low light; a simple mobile phone can still reveal faint sightings in long exposure.
What to expect if you see the aurora
When conditions align, you may notice curtains of light sweeping across the sky, sometimes in bright greens, but also purple and red fringes at higher altitudes. The intensity can change rapidly, offering a dynamic show that can rival the most dramatic weather phenomena. Even a modest display can evoke that hush and awe associated with night skies in winter.
Staying safe and planning ahead
Viewing the Northern Lights is perfectly safe and free, but it requires sensible planning. Keep a spare layer, a thermos of hot drink, and a charged phone for alerts. If you’re venturing to rural locations, inform someone of your plans and check weather conditions for winter travel. Remember, the sky is a theatre of the natural world, and every auroral night is a rare invitation to pause, observe, and enjoy the cosmos.
