Tonight could deliver a spectacular celestial display for millions across the UK as a powerful solar storm races towards Earth.
Space weather experts at the Met Office have issued an extreme alert following a massive solar flare and coronal mass ejection that erupted from the Sun earlier this week.
Charged particles from this eruption are set to slam into Earth's magnetic field late tonight or during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
If everything aligns, residents of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England could witness the aurora borealis dancing across the sky – a sight normally reserved for Arctic regions.
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The Met Office has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch, predicting conditions could reach G3 (Strong) or potentially escalate to G4 (Severe) levels.
What makes this event particularly special is timing – the Sun is currently at its solar maximum, meaning these storms pack more punch than usual.
Should the storm hit G4 intensity, the light show could extend dramatically southward, potentially reaching the Midlands and even parts of Southern England.
The auroral oval – that ring of light around the Arctic – expands significantly during strong geomagnetic activity, giving far more people the chance to catch this natural wonder.
The Northern Lights have become visible in corners of the UK
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For the best chance of catching the display, experts suggest heading out around midnight, though it's worth keeping an eye on the sky from about 6pm when darkness falls.
Finding a dark spot away from streetlights is essential – coastal areas, hilltops, and designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites like the Peak District, Lake District, or Northumberland offer ideal conditions.
A clear northern horizon is key to spotting the aurora.
Here's a brilliant tip: even if you can't see those famous green and pink hues with your eyes, your smartphone camera can pick them up. Switch to Night Mode or use a long exposure setting, and you might spot activity before it becomes visible to the naked eye.
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Northern lights illuminate the cloud cover over Rushmere St. Andrew, Ipswich, Suffolk
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The main challenge tonight isn't the solar storm itself – it's the British weather, as usual.
Forecasters are predicting patchy cloud across much of the country, which could frustrate aurora hunters even when the geomagnetic activity peaks.
The good news? Northern England and parts of Scotland look set to enjoy the clearest breaks in cloud cover as the night progresses.
Those in the South West of England and Wales may have less luck, with thicker cloud and rain expected to roll in during the early hours of Tuesday
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Those in the South West of England and Wales may have less luck, with thicker cloud and rain expected to roll in during the early hours of Tuesday.
For many, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness nature's most dazzling light show.