Northern Lights - the free alert that means you'll never miss the 'bucket list' event

Ben Hurst & Kelly Ashmore

12 May 2024 at 4:48 am·1-min read

The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, glow in the sky over Rushmere St Andrew in Suffolk in the early hours of Saturday, May 11 — The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, glow in the sky over Rushmere St. Andrew in Suffolk in the early hours of Saturday, May 11 -Credit:PA

The Northern Lights have appeared across the UK for two nights in a row - but many were frustrated to have missed the 'bucket list' event. But there is a way to guarantee you don't miss the natural phenomenon in the future.

A free app can be downloaded onto your phone, courtesy of AuroraWatch UK. The service, which is run by scientists in the Space and Planetary Physics group at Lancaster University’s Department of Physics.

The app, called AuroraWatch UK Aurora Alerts, will send users a message when there is activity likely to lead to the Northern Lights. A red alert was sent out on Saturday, which told people it was "likely that aurora will be visible by eye and camera from anywhere in the UK".

The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, appeared after the Met Office confirmed a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning for this weekend. The eerie green and pink bands of light first appeared on Friday night (May 10), with thousands of people catching a glimpse. Stargazers were given another viewing on Saturday night (May 11) and it is 'likely' there will be another display tonight (Sunday, May 12).

Meteorologists suggest those hoping to see the lights should stay away from streetlights and use a camera to help improve the view. The lights are unlikely to be visible until it gets very dark, which would be at around 11pm at this time of year. Remote, open areas with views of the northern horizon are best.

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