Travel enthusiasts around the world are planning to pack their bags and book flights as scientists predict 2024 will be the best year in more than a decade to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
It occurs when the sun reaches its solar maximum between January and October as part of its 11-year cycle – the period of greatest solar activity and intense solar storms.
Dr. Dibyendu Nandi, a physicist at the IISER Kolkata Center of Excellence in Space Sciences in India, explained that solar storms “create beautiful aurora, so we can expect 2024 to be a good year for aurora hunters.”
The dazzling light displays will be more frequent and brighter, which could mean that although they are still very rare, some of us in the UK should have a better chance of seeing them.
Just two months ago, in November, lucky sky watchers in places like Dorset, Northumberland and Suffolk were able to enjoy the wish list. Read on to find out which seven car hotspot experts from LeaseCar.uk recommend taking a road trip to the UK to see the Aurora Borealis this year.
The northern lights in this November 2023 image from Suffolk were captured by Jackie Gillman-Dace
Car expert Tim Alcock said: “The northern lights can only be described as one of the most beautiful sights you have ever seen.”
“While you can’t just look out the window and hope the lights appear, there are some places in the UK and Ireland where you are more likely to see them, such as Wales, Shetland and Yorkshire.”
“It is a unique experience to watch the Northern Lights. That’s why we strongly recommend that you take advantage of the dark nights to see the breathtaking spectacle.”
Lake District, Cumbria
The northern lights have been spotted several times in the heart of the Lake District, especially during solar storms.
The experts point out that “clear skies over Cumbria make it easier to see the lights and witness a starry night”.
Grizedale Forest has also been voted “one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis” and is also ideal for stargazing.
This forested area between Lakes Windemere and Coinston hosts numerous stargazing opportunities.
A spectacular display of the Northern Lights over Derwentwater, near Keswick in the Lake District, in November 2021
Isle of Anglesey, Wales
Tim explained: “Wales’ largest island is likely to be home to the Northern Lights this winter as they have been seen regularly in recent years.”
They have also been spotted in other parts of North Wales, with Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire being the places to spot them.
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat is a hill and extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, already popular with locals and tourists.
Last November, locals caught a glimpse of the dazzling lights.
The motoring expert advised: “This is one of the most popular places in Scotland to walk.”
“Be prepared for a steep climb to the summit as it can take almost two hours to reach the summit.
“If you miss the Northern Lights, you can still enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh.”
Shetland Islands, Scotland
Tim revealed that Shetland is the next popular Scottish location for Northern Lights viewing.
He explained: “The green-purple glow is probably seen in the Shetland Islands.”
“It’s one of the places you’re most likely to see them through the winter, but make sure you go when the night sky is clear.”
Donegal, Ireland
If you are in Ireland or planning to travel there, experts recommend visiting Donegal.
It has been described as “one of the best places in Ireland to get a clear view of the Aurora Borealis” and is definitely worth a visit.
Tim added: “The chances of seeing them are better when it’s not raining and the moon is shining brightly.”
The Northern Lights, also known as the Northern Lights, shine on the horizon at St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on the north east coast. Date taken: Thursday 23 March 2023
Whitley Bay, North Tyneside
Next on the list is Whitley Bay in North Tyneside, where the lights were spotted in October 2023, particularly near St Mary’s Lighthouse.
The expert points out that “they will probably reappear and become easier to see as the evenings fall earlier.”
Sandsend, Yorkshire
Finally, the car experts recommend a road trip to Sandsend in Yorkshire.
Tim explained: “Yorkshire was treated to back garden photos of the Northern Lights at the start of December.
“The lack of street lighting in Sandsend makes it easier to see the colorful lights without being obscured by artificial light.”
WHAT ARE AURORAS AND WHAT CAUSES THE BEAUTIFUL NATURAL VIEWS?
The Northern and Southern Lights are natural spectacles of light that are activated in our atmosphere and are also called “auros”.
There are two types of aurora: Aurora Borealis, meaning “dawn of the north,” and Aurora Australis, “dawn of the south.”
The screens light up when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
There are two types of northern lights: Aurora Borealis (archive photo), meaning “dawn of the north,” and Aurora Australis, “dawn of the south.” The screens light up when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth’s atmosphere
Normally, the particles, also called a solar storm, are deflected by the Earth’s magnetic field.
However, during stronger storms, they enter the atmosphere and collide with gas particles, including hydrogen and helium.
These collisions emit light. Auroras appear in many colors, although light green and pink are common.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
