METEOROLOGISTS SHARE BEST TIPS FOR SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS AS THEY’RE EXPECTED TO RETURN ON SATURDAY NIGHT

For those of you who haven’t been bombarded with photos and videos on social media today, the Northern Lights put on a dazzling display on Friday night.

For thousands of people across the US, UK, and Europe, it was the first time they had ever witnessed the Northern Lights – also known as aurora borealis.

Per BBC News, the phenomenon was the result of one of the strongest geomagnetic storms for years hitting the Earth.

When charged light particles from the Sun collide with our planet’s atmospheric gases, they energize atoms and molecules, causing them to emit light.

It’s time to tick the lights off your bucket list! Credit: NurPhoto / Getty

The distinct colors of the aurora are a result of different gases in the Earth’s atmosphere being energized by the incoming charged particles. Nitrogen and oxygen are the two most abundant gases in the atmosphere, with oxygen atoms emitting predominantly green light – the most common color observed in the Northern Lights.

Nitrogen atoms, on the other hand, emit hues of purple, blue, and pink.

In the US, the lights were visible as far south as Alabama and northern California, while in Europe, countries like Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland, Denmark, and Poland were treated to the awe-inspiring sight.

But don’t worry if you missed Friday night’s spectacular, because experts are hopeful that the aurora borealis will be visible on Saturday night (May 11) into Sunday morning.

The Northern Lights attracts a crowd in England. Credit: Ian Forsyth / Getty

Elizabeth Rizzini from BBC Weather described the conditions as “fantastic,” with a high likelihood of sightings not only on Friday night but also possibly extending into Saturday.

Meanwhile, Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon anticipated continued favorable conditions for Saturday night.

“Conditions could continue on Saturday night, but we still have to work out some details on where exactly that will be,” he said, per The Independent. “The combination of clear skies and enhanced activity from the sun reaching Earth would improve the chances of seeing the display.”

Additionally, the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday morning update: “Overnight, aurora were visible across much of the United States. Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight.”

The southern lights were also visible over areas of Australia and New Zealand. Credit: NurPhoto / Getty

So, what are some helpful tips for experiencing the beauty of the Northern Lights? Here’s what the experts suggest…

CHECK THE FORECAST Both weather and aurora activity forecasts are essential.

Firstly, ensure that significant aurora activity is anticipated in your location. The official NOAA website is a valuable resource for this purpose.

Additionally, keep an eye on the weather forecast for clear skies. If clouds are forecasted, consider driving to an area with clearer skies.

HEAD TO AN AREA WITH MINIMAL LIGHT POLLUTION If you find yourself in an urban area with abundant streetlights, consider driving to the countryside or other areas with less light pollution.

Chris Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, advises, “Your best chance of witnessing the lights is away from areas with high light pollution, such as streetlights.”

CHARGE YOUR DEVICES Capturing the Northern Lights with your phone or camera is one of the best ways to enjoy the experience.

Smartphones are particularly adept at capturing low-light scenes that may be difficult for the naked eye to perceive.

Brent Gordon of the Space Weather Prediction Center notes, “Cellphones are more efficient than our eyes at capturing light.”

ITV News meteorologist Chris Page suggests experimenting with long exposure and different camera settings for optimal results.

Sten Odenwald, an astronomer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, explains why your phone’s night mode is ideal for capturing stunning images of the lights.

“Night mode takes multiple images at optimized speeds, which are then combined to create the final image,” Odenwald says. “This process removes distortions and graininess.”

Make sure your devices are fully charged, and consider bringing an extra power pack.

LOOK NORTH The Earth’s magnetic field draws charged particles from the sun towards the polar regions. In the northern hemisphere, look north to catch the Northern Lights.

Chris Page adds, “The aurora is typically seen towards the polar regions, so it may not appear directly overhead.”

BE PATIENT The Northern Lights are a remarkable sight that many aspire to witness.

Since the display is influenced by various factors, be prepared to wait. Bring a camping chair and settle in for the night – the experience will be worth it.

DRESS WARMLY Given the potentially long wait in chilly conditions, prioritize your comfort by dressing warmly. Layer up to stay insulated from the cold, and consider bringing a flask of hot coffee or cocoa.

Best of luck for tonight, and enjoy stargazing!