Met Office map shows where Northern Lights may be visible in UK tonight

A Met Office map has revealed where in the UK the Northern Lights may be visible tonight (Saturday, October 5). The Northern Lights could put on a show across the UK with recent solar flares creating the potential for a 'breathtaking' display.

The display, also known as aurora borealis, is most likely to be visible in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England. However, there is also potential for the lights to be seen further south due to intense activity on the sun.

Forecasters have predicted that areas with clear skies will be most likely to catch a glimpse of the display, as well as on Sunday and Monday. A new map shows from which parts of the UK the lights may be visible.

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According to the Met Office 'Saturday night has the greatest likelihood of aurora sightings further south, across central England'. Those keen to catch a glimpse of the shades of green and purple shining across the sky are most likely to catch the spectacle late at night – usually from 11pm to 12am onwards.

"To maximise your chances of viewing the aurora, the sky needs to be as clear as possible," Silvia Dalla, professor of solar physics at the University of Central Lancashire, said.

"Look northwards and try to find a place with dark skies, ideally away from a city where light pollution can interfere with the view."

Recent solar flare activity on the sun means the auroras will be stronger than usual. As a result the Met Office believes where is a 'good chance of visible aurora' in some areas of the country.

Dr Steph Yardley, a space scientist at Northumbria University, said the region of the Sun which has been producing the flares, has been