Clear skies for the show: Northern Lights expected across UK & IE

The aurora borealis may be visible across the UK and Ireland tonight after the strongest geomagnetic storm since 2005.

US agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), issued the first Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch on Thursday for 19 years.

The storm will peak on Friday evening, with disruption to electronic equipment possible, and widespread auroras.

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections occurred on May 8th, firing solar particles towards Earth.

When these particles hit the planet’s atmosphere, a chemical reaction occurs. Creating the bright colours associated with an aurora.

Tonight, the aurora is expected to spread across the UK and Ireland, widely visible on a night that is mostly cloud-free.

For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, find an area free from light pollution and look towards the northern skyline.

The further north you are located, the higher the chance of spotting the aurora.

If you are lucky enough to see the show, try setting your camera to a long exposure for more vivid images. We would love to see any shots, send via the Uploader!