The best places to see the Northern Lights in Britain – as 2024 will be the best time to catch a glimpse in more than a decade
Travel enthusiasts around the world are planning to pack a suitcase and book flights as scientists predict that 2024 will be the best year in more than a decade to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
It comes as the sun is about to reach its solar maximum between January and October, as part of its 11-year cycle – the period of greatest solar activity and intense solar storms.
Dr. Dibyendu Nandi, a physicist from the IISER Kolkata Center of Excellence in Space Sciences in India, explained that solar storms “create beautiful auroras, so we can expect 2024 to be a good year for auroras hunters.”
The blinding light shows will be more frequent and brighter, which could mean that, while still very rare, some of us in Britain should have a better chance of seeing them.
Just two months ago in November, lucky sky watchers in places like Dorset, Northumberland and Suffolk could feast their eyes on the bucket list – read on to discover the seven driving hotspots LeaseCar.nl Let’s say you have to take a road trip to Great Britain this year to see the Aurora Borealis.
The Northern Lights in this November 2023 image from Suffolk was captured by Jackie Gillman-Dace
Tim Alcock, motoring expert, said: ‘The Northern Lights can only be described as one of the most beautiful sights you have ever seen.
‘While you can’t just look out your window and hope the lights will appear, there are some locations in Britain and Ireland where they are more likely to be seen, such as Wales, the Shetland Islands and Yorkshire.
‘It is a unique experience to witness the Northern Lights, so we strongly recommend that you make the most of the dark nights to view the breathtaking spectacle.’
Lake District, Cumbria
The Northern Lights have been spotted several times in the heart of the Lake District, especially when there are solar storms.
The experts advise that ‘clear skies over Cumbria will make it easier to see the lights and witness a starry night’.
Grizedale Forest was also voted ‘one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis’ and was also great for stargazing.
A number of stargazing events take place in this forest area between Lakes Windemere and Coinston.
A spectacular display of the Northern Lights seen over Derwentwater, near Keswick in the Lake District in November 2021
Isle of Anglesey, Wales
Tim explained: ‘Wales’ largest island is likely to host the Northern Lights this winter as they have been consistently visible in recent years.
They have also been spotted in other parts of North Wales, with Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire being the places to watch.
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat is a hill and extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, which is already popular among locals and tourists.
Locals caught a glimpse of the dazzling lights in November last year.
The car expert advised: ‘It’s one of the most popular places in Scotland for people to go for a walk.
‘Be prepared for a steep hike to the top as it can take almost two hours to reach the top.
‘If you miss the Northern Lights, you can still witness breathtaking views over Edinburgh.’
Shetland Islands, Scotland
Tim revealed that the next Scottish location popular for seeing the Northern Lights is the Shetland Islands.
He explained: ‘The greenish purple glow is likely to be seen in the Shetland Islands.
‘It’s one of the most likely places to see them all winter long, but make sure you go when there’s a clear night sky.’
Donegal, Ireland
If you are in Ireland, or would like to travel there, experts recommend visiting Donegal.
It has been called ‘one of the best places in Ireland to get a clear view of the Aurora Borealis’ and is definitely worth the trip.
Tim added: ‘The chances of spotting them are better when there is no rain and the moon is shining brightly.’
The Northern Lights, also known as the Northern Lights, glow on the horizon at St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on the northeast coast. Date of photo: Thursday, March 23, 2023
Whitley Bay, North Tyneside
Next on the list is Whitley Bay in North Tyneside, where the lights were spotted in October 2023, particularly near St Mary’s lighthouse.
The expert advises that ‘they are likely to make another appearance and become easier to spot the earlier the evenings fall’.
Sandsend, Yorkshire
Finally, the car experts recommend a road trip to Sandsend in Yorkshire.
Tim explained: ‘Yorkshire was treated to the Northern Lights in early December with photos taken from the back gardens.
‘The lack of street lighting in Sandsend makes it easier to spot the colorful lights without them being obscured by artificial light.’
WHAT ARE AURORAS AND WHAT TRIGGERS THE BEAUTIFUL NATURAL VIEWS?
The Northern and Southern Lights are natural light spectacles that are activated in our atmosphere and are also called the ‘Auroras’.
There are two types of Aurora: Aurora Borealis, which means ‘dawn of the north’, and Aurora Australis, ‘dawn of the south’.
The displays light up when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
There are two types of Aurora: Aurora Borealis (file photo), which means ‘dawn of the north’, and Aurora Australis, ‘dawn of the south’. The displays light up when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth’s atmosphere
Usually the particles, also called a solar storm, are deflected by the Earth’s magnetic field.
But during stronger storms, they enter the atmosphere and collide with gas particles, including hydrogen and helium.
These collisions emit light. Aurora displays appear in many colors, although light green and pink are common.