Met Office experts explain how to see Northern Lights tonight from England

The Northern Lights will be visible across swathes of the UK tonight (Friday, May 10). Clear skies will mean a high level of visibility.

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon explained that the aurora will be visible tonight mostly across the north of the UK, but it could be visible further south if you have the right equipment.

He said: "Although the shorter nights will limit the visibility window, there's a good chance to see the aurora, particularly on Friday night and especially in Scotland, Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales.

"There could even be visibility further south if you have the right equipment. Those conditions could continue on Saturday night but we still have to work out some details on where exactly that will be."

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Mr Dixon said the combination of clear skies and enhanced activity from the sun reaching Earth would improve the chances of seeing the display.

How to see Northern Lights from London and the south of England

ITV weatherman Chris Page gave some advice for those in the south wanting to see the aurora.

He advised looking through your camera with a long exposure, keeping the camera steady so it can pick up the image. You will need to look towards the northern horizon, so make sure you download a compass app on your phone in advance (or get out your physical compass, if you have one).

To take long exposure video on your phone, you can select 'night' mode.