The Northern Lights
The How Why And When Of The Northern Lights
Normally, spotting the Northern Lights from the UK would be a rare event, as these vivid auroras are usually reserved for higher latitudes. However, with the current solar maximum—when the sun’s activity peaks—more people in the UK are catching glimpses of this spectacular phenomenon from their back gardens or at least from a local hilltop. Stargazers across the country are now enjoying unexpectedly vibrant auroras lighting up our skies. However, even when we can see them with the naked eye, there is still much to them that remains hidden. Here are several things you may not have realised about the lights, and where they are most apparent.
The Camera Sees More Than You Do
While photos of the Northern Lights showcase vivid greens, purples, and even reds stretching across the sky, the view with the naked eye may not be quite as intense. Our eyes can capture the lights, but only cameras with long-exposure settings can truly bring out the full range of colors and details. In person, the Northern Lights might appear as softer hues or faint glows, especially in lower-latitude regions like the UK.
If you’re hoping for those stunning, vibrant displays, bring along a good camera. With the right settings, your camera can absorb light over a few seconds, producing images that reveal the richer, more intricate colors that the human eye alone can’t see. This simple trick transforms what might seem like a faint glow into the dazzling Northern Lights display captured in so many iconic images. For detailed tips on photographing the auroras, check out this article on EarthSky.org.
You Have to Put In the Effort To See Them Properly
Catching sight of the Northern Lights from the UK requires a bit of planning and patience. Unlike Scandinavian cities in the far north, like Reykjavik or Tromsø, where the auroras can sometimes be visible even in urban areas, seeing them here means avoiding light pollution and finding a truly dark spot. You’ll likely need to leave the city and head to more rural areas; national parks, remote beaches, or countryside vantage points offer the best chance of witnessing the lights.
The Best Time to Catch the Northern Lights Is After A New Moon
When trying to see the Northern Lights, moonlight can be surprisingly disruptive. A bright, full moon illuminates the sky and competes with the subtle glow of the auroras, making them harder to see, especially in areas further south, like the UK, where the lights are typically dimmer. That’s why nights following a new moon, when it is darkest or barely visible, provide the best opportunity. After a new moon, there’s minimal natural light in the sky, allowing even faint auroras to stand out more clearly against the darkness.
Which Direction To Look In To Best See Them
I have to admit I found conflicting information on this which rather confirms my point that they don’t tell you which direction to face! Aurorawatch at Lancaster University suggests that from the UK, north is the direction to look. However, when geomagnetic activity is very high and you are located in the north of the UK, then they suggest the Northern Lights may be south of you, and conclude you should check all directions. The Space Weather Prediction Centre seemed to suggest north too, however, so I think that’s the answer I am sticking with!
The Best Auroras Occur Around Midnight
A lesser-known fact revealed by the Space Weather Prediction Centre is that the Northern Lights are best viewed around midnight. While auroras may appear earlier in the evening or the morning, they are typically less active and visually appealing then.
Experiencing the Northern Lights is a unique and magical event, especially for those of us in the UK who don’t often have the chance to see them. By understanding the nuances, such as the importance of timing, location, and preparation, you can increase your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
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I am a practising HR consultant working with several start-ups on an ongoing and ad-hoc basis in the London and M4 area, and am a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development or CIPD. I am the Director of thecareercafe.co.uk; thecareercafe.co.uk is a resource for start-ups and small business. It includes a blog containing career advice, small business advice articles, HR software reviews, and contains great resources such as HR Productivity Apps.