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Northern Lights to be seen across the UK as severe geomagnetic storm set to hit Earth

The latest chance comes after Brits were treated to the spectacle several times this year.

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The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, glow in the sky over St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on the North East coast, reaching a G4 level geomagnetic storm, putting on an amazing display in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday)
The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, glow in the sky over St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on the North East coast, reaching a G4 level geomagnetic storm, putting on an amazing display in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday). Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

By Chay Quinn

Brits have a good chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights on Wednesday night - with a geomagnetic storm set to hit Earth.

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Areas of Scotland and the north of England are most likely to see the dazzling display, with skies set to be illuminated by the natural phenomenon.

However, the potential of clear skies means that southern parts of the UK will also be able to see the display.

The latest chance comes after Brits were treated to the spectacle several times this year.

The primary cause of the intense brightness is that we’re currently at the peak of the Sun's 11-year activity cycle, which is expected to finish before the end of 2025.

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The northern lights fill the sky behind the Saint Joseph the Woodworker Shrine Tuesday
The northern lights fill the sky behind the Saint Joseph the Woodworker Shrine last night. Picture: Alamy

The Met Office's Space Weather service said: "Three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are expected to arrive at Earth, two on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning and another on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

"These CMEs are associated with Strong class flares and increase in speed and possible effects in each event.

"The auroral oval is expected to become enhanced Tuesday and Wednesday nights, with visible aurora expected across parts of northern UK and similar geomagnetic latitudes, with a chance of sightings further south across England and Wales, though cloud cover is expected to inhibit ideal viewing conditions for most parts."

Spectacular Aurora Borealis - Northern Lights seen in City Centre - The Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, Town Moor, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
The Northern lights seen behind The Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, Town Moor, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Picture: Alamy

What causes the Northern Lights?

At this peak, the Sun experiences a rise in eruptions, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

These eruptions release powerful bursts of energy and material into space, resulting in phenomena like the auroras visible from Earth.