This winter is predicted to be one of the best displays of the Northern Lights for 20 years.
The sun is reaching the peak of its 11 year activity cycle, and the last one was apparently something of a dud, meaning spectacular light shows are on the cards.
You don't need to visit the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights. We can see them right here in the UK. Sightings have already been made as far south as Stonehenge. However the further north you head, the better the chances of some aurora action.
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are beautiful waving curtains of light visible in the winter sky, but what causes them? Here comes the science. Energized particles from solar storms slam into Earth's magnetic field and are drawn towards the north and south poles. They then react with particles in the Earth's atmosphere causing the gorgeous displays of greeny, yellowy, pinky lights we see from below.
When is the best time to see them?
The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in the UK is between October to mid-March. From 10pm to 2am is the most likely time, as the sky is at its darkest. And it may sound obvious, but look northwards!
Where's the best place in the UK to see them?
The Northern Lights have been seen as far south as Cornwall in the past, but the further north you get, the better chance you have. Scotland and the north of England are your best bet, in particular areas with low light levels, like dark sky reserves. Some of the best spots are the Cairngorms, Galloway Forest Park and Northumberland National Park.
If you've always dreamed of seeing nature's premiere light show, here are some of our favourite places to stay in the UK where the magic might just happen!
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