Where you can see Aurora Borealis tonight after 'extreme' storm dazzles the UK

The Northern Lights dazzled huge swaths of the UK overnight following an 'extreme' geomagnetic storm. The Aurora Borealis was visible over much of the country but was best spotted in Whitley Bay on the northeast coast.

The natural light show was also seen in Suffolk, Kent, Hampshire and Liverpool, and even made a surprise appearance in parts of London. Wondering if you can catch the Northern Lights tonight after missing Friday's display?

ITV News' weather expert Chris Page suggests there's still a chance. "Activity is expected to slowly decline, however, there is a good chance (cloud permitting) you'll be able to see it again tonight," he explained.

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Meanwhile, Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon noted that while the conditions which made Friday's Northern Lights visible could repeat on Saturday, pinpointing the exact locations remains uncertain. We still have to work out some details on where exactly that will be," Mr Dixon remarked.

He mentioned that a mix of clear skies and increased solar activity reaching Earth could enhance the likelihood of witnessing the aurora. For the best viewing experience, aim for between 10pm and 2am.

According to Aurora Watch UK, places including Birmingham, the Black Country and Staffordshire are on the list for a second showing.

Here's how to spot the Northern Lights:

• Look north: The aurora is drawn towards the Earth's polar regions, so you may not see it directly overhead. Instead, look towards the northern horizon where it's likely to be dancing.

• Use your eyes and cameras: You can see the aurora with the naked eye, but cameras often capture it better as they can adapt to different wavelengths better than our eyes. Allow at least 10 minutes for your eyes to adjust.

• Find a dark, open space: To avoid light pollution, seek out locations away from city lights. Open fields, parks, or remote areas with unobstructed views of the northern horizon are ideal for aurora watching.

• Be patient: Seeing the aurora requires patience and persistence, as it can be unpredictable and may not appear every night, even during periods of high activity. Be prepared to wait for hours if necessary.

• Use long exposures for photography: If you're interested in photographing the aurora, use a camera with manual settings and a tripod to capture long exposures. Experiment with different exposure times and ISO settings to achieve the best results.

• Stay up late: Auroras are often most active in the late evening to early morning hours, so plan to stay up late or wake up early for the best chance of seeing a spectacular display.

Why does the Northern Lights occur?

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun, primarily electrons and protons, colliding with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, typically oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions emit light at various wavelengths, creating vibrant displays of colour in the sky, often appearing as curtains, arcs, or bands of light.

The colours are determined by the type of gas particles involved and the altitude at which the collisions occur. Greens appear due to interactions with oxygen, red is from oxygen in the upper atmosphere while blues and purples are due to the interaction of nitrogen.