The Northern Lights will be easier to spot in 2024 due to solar cycle timing, scientists say

Brits could have an even better chance of catching the Northern Lights this year due to the timing of the solar cycle.

According to scientists, there may be more chances to see the incredible light display, also known as the Aurora Borealis, in the sky in 2024 as the cycle approaches its peak.

The Northern Lights can often be seen in Scotland and the very North of England from remote locations if the weather conditions are right, but they have also been seen further south recently. As the Sun’s activity grew through 2023, some people as far down as Cornwall reported seeing them.

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The UK Space Agency explained why 2024 could be an even better year to see the lights in a recent blog post. It said: "Approximately every 11 years, the Sun’s output of radiation, solar flares, and ejection of material into space increases and decreases. This is known as the ‘solar cycle’ and it is believed to be approaching its maximum either this year or next, and the increased likelihood of charged particles from our Sun interacting with gases in our atmosphere means the chances of seeing Aurora Borealis (the ‘Northern Lights’) are significantly increased."

The aurora is most active in March and April and then again in September and October.

The Met Office has an aurora forecast on its Space Weather website, which indicates when the lights might be visible in the UK. A clear night with little to no cloud cover is best for spotting them. Once you have found a dark location, where light pollution is low, look toward the northern horizon.

It can be difficult to