Northern Lights Forecast Over Scotland Tonight

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Tonight offers a rare opportunity for stargazers across the UK to witness the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, thanks to increased solar activity. The Met Office has predicted “enhanced auroral activity,” primarily over northern Scotland, following a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun.

The Met Office space weather bulletin noted: “Coronal hole fast winds, combined with weak Coronal Mass Ejection influence, are currently enhancing auroral activity.” It added that sightings are most likely over northern Scotland, weather permitting. However, the relatively short hours of darkness and potential cloud cover may limit visibility.

Peak auroral activity is expected around 9 p.m. BST (British Summer Time), shortly after sunset at 8:35 p.m. Clear skies will be crucial for viewing, and current cloud cover forecasts suggest that much of Scotland will have favourable conditions, with only the far north expected to experience cloud.

Tonight also marks the rise of the full Sturgeon Moon at about 9 p.m. The name comes from the period when sturgeon fish were traditionally abundant in the Northern Hemisphere. This bright moonlight may affect the visibility of the aurora somewhat.

A CME is a burst of charged particles released from the Sun’s outer atmosphere. One such event, reported by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, began approaching Earth on Tuesday, 5 August. When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, they create a geomagnetic storm, causing the spectacular light displays known as the Northern Lights.

In addition to the Northern Lights, the Perseids meteor shower is active, offering chances to see shooting stars. Although the shower peaks on 12-13 August, some meteors can be spotted tonight, adding to the night’s celestial spectacle.

Overall, weather permitting, tonight promises a stunning display for astronomy enthusiasts and curious observers in northern parts of the UK.