Hopeful stargazers across the UK may be able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights this week.
According to the Met Office's Space Weather arm, a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) accompanied by a massive solar storm from the sun is set to strike Earth over the coming days.
This could result in the spectacular light show making its way from the Arctic Circle and being viewable in parts of England and Scotland.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
While the Northern Lights are extremely rare in the UK, the CMEs that emit green and red light as they collide with Earth can result in the fascinating colours being visible in the sky. However, your chances of seeing the light show will vary depending on which area in the country you are in and whether the weather is favourable or not.
The Met Office confirmed that there is a small chance of the Northern Lights appearing tonight (Wednesday), but chances will be higher tomorrow. It added that while the lights may be visible in northern England, it is more likely to be seen in Scotland, depending on cloud cover.
The Met Office's Space Weather group said on its website: "Through the 19 Apr geomagnetic activity should be largely Quiet. However, two CMEs may affect the Earth in this period.
"One, as a low confidence glancing blow later on 19 Apr, with a more direct impact likely either on 20 or 21 Apr. There is a very slight chance of G1/Minor storm intervals again due to the potential glancing CME later on 19 Apr.
"Activity is likely to reach Active to G1/Minor Storm levels on 20 or 21 Apr due to the anticipated CME arrival, with a chance of G2/Moderate or G3/Strong Storm conditions. The CME on 20/21 Apr is likely to lead to visible aurora across Scotland, perhaps Northern Ireland and much of Northern England, with a low chance of aurora visible to North Wales and central England."
The best way to try and spot the Northern Lights is to ensure you are in an area at night with little to no light pollution. Favourable conditions also include no clouds in the sky, providing a more clear view.
Read next:
- Teacher 'banned indefinitely' after drunkenly headbutting 16-year-old - and told to pay him £1,295 in compensation
- Energy company wants to charge pizza restaurant owner £32,000 to exit 'extortionate' contract
- Wythenshawe brothers targeted wealthy couples for Rolex and Patek Philippe watches in upmarket Hale - they've now been jailed, along with three others
- "It's an accident waiting to happen": Angry residents put up SPIKES to stop problem parking
- The deadly weapons seized by police after underworld disputes spilled onto the streets
