Northern Lights could be visible over Scotland amid geomagnetic storm

The Northern Lights may be visible over Scotland in the coming days as a moderate geomagnetic storm alert has been issued by the Met Office.

It follows a fast-moving Coronal Mass Ejection, a powerful burst of charged particles, which departed the Sun on Saturday and is expected to arrive at Earth late on Monday evening.

When these particles interact with earth’s magnetic field, they create the mesmerising colours of the Aurora Borealis.

The Met Office said geomagnetic conditions are likely to intensify as the particles reach Earth, with the geomagnetic storm likely to increase from moderate to strong – potentially even reaching severe levels.

Depending on the extent of the magnetic cloud associated with the ejection, magnetic clouds could extend into Wednesday – meaning the Aurora may be visible across parts of Scotland in the coming days.

The Met Office said the Northern Lights may be visible where skies are sufficidently dark and clear and may not require the use of photography equipment to view the phenomeon.

However, a waxing gibbous Moon may hinder visibility in some areas.

The Met Office said: “A fast-moving Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that departed the Sun late on August 30 is forecast to arrive at Earth either late on September 1 or early on September 2 (UTC). Following its arrival, a significant enhancement of the auroral oval is likely, potentially continuing into September 3.

“At peak activity, and where skies are sufficiently dark and clear, aurora may be visible across much of the UK, potentially without the need for photographic equipment. However, a waxing gibbous Moon may hinder visibility in some areas.”