Solar winds arrive: Auroras to return to Scotland overnight

A fresh display of the Northern Lights is expected to reach the UK this evening after the emergence of a colossal coronal hole on the Sun’s surface.

After a stunning display of the Aurora Borealis just weeks ago, speeding solar winds will again produce a display of the natural phenomenon.

On Monday, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory reported a large coronal hole wide enough to fit 20 Earths within. These holes allow the release of solar particles which race towards the planet and interact with our atmosphere creating auroras.

Solar winds with speeds of up to 1.3 million mph are being released through the hole and reach Earth tonight. The NOAA suggest a peak of 4.33 on the KP-Index scale indicating an active auroral display.

This evening’s display is likely to be limited to the north of Scotland. Unlike that seen recently which reached as far south as continental Europe.

Classed as a moderate G2-class geomagnetic storm at this level the winds will have minimal impacts though stronger classes can disrupt GPS, satellites, and radio services.

The Sun is approaching its most active stage of the 11-year solar cycle making our nearest star more volatile.

As this cycle peaks in 2025 we can expect more common, and more intense, solar storms leading to vibrant auroras.

This time around, those in the north of Scotland are the only ones likely to see the display with chances tonight and Friday night. Don’t get caught out by the weather, check the WeatherRadar for visibility before heading out.