Northern Lights Scotland 2025: Here's how to see the Aurora Borealis tonight as lights to dazzle above UK
The northern half of the UK will have the best chance of seeing the lights
The Northern Lights are set to be visible across the UK once again.
Millions across the country could have the chance to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis through Wednesday night.
That is because the sun is going through an active phase experiencing a number of eruptions, called coronal mass ejections. These eruptions send solar particles towards the Earth.
The Met Office's space weather forecast has said those in the northern half of the UK have the best chance of seeing the lights, though it could also be possible for those in the south if skies are clear.
Here’s all you need to know.
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are moving patterns of green, blue, purple and red colours caused by solar storms on the surface of the sun, which create clouds of electrically charged particles that are forcefully expelled.
Some of these particles collide with the Earth, with some becoming caught in the planet’s magnetic field, where they are attracted to the north and south poles.
This collection of particles collide with atoms and molecules already present in the atmosphere, heating them up and causing them to glow – creating the spectacle.
Where can you see the Northern Lights?
Essentially, the closer a person is to the North Pole, the higher the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
However, most of Scotland is in the zone where they are – in theory – regularly visible. The further north someone travels, the more likely the lights are to appear.
What caused the Northern Lights this week?
The sun is going through an active phase experiencing a number of eruptions, called coronal mass ejections. These send solar particles towards the Earth.
It is the interaction of these particles with the Earth's atmosphere that create the stunning light displays we see in the night sky.
Will I be able to see the Northern Lights tonight?
On Wednesday, November 12, the Met Office says there is still a chance to see the Northern Lights, but that it will probably be restricted to the north of Scotland.
There will also need to be clear skies. So what is in the forecast?
The Met Office says skies are not expected to be clear for most of the UK overnight on Wednesday although there could be some early on for East Anglia and later for northern Scotland.
Why is 2025 such a good year for the Northern Lights?
The sun has a solar activity cycle that lasts roughly 11 years, fluctuating between periods of low activity and high activity.
When its activity is at its highest, there will be more sun-spots, coronal loops and the solar flares that lead to the Northern Lights being seen.
In 2025, the solar activity is set to be at its maximum, with the emission of solar particles peaking. The optimal conditions for Aurora Borealis will continue into 2026, with the next peak arriving in 2036.
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?
A viewer will have the chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis wherever it’s dark with clear skies and as far away from artificial light as possible.
Once a clear spot is found to watch from, start looking towards the northern horizon and avoid the temptation to play with a phone. The person should let their eyes get used to the darkness instead.
Of course, someone needs to be lucky, but a regular check of the Aurora Watch website, which measures the latest amount of solar activity, will let anyone know if the lights are likely to appear anytime soon.
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