There is an exciting opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, on several occasions this week across Lancashire. Stargazers are being encouraged to keep their eyes on the skies tonight (October 8), as well as during the early hours of Wednesday and Thursday, as the natural light display may be visible across parts of the county. While the exact timing of the display is subject to change, forecasts from the Met Office suggest that people in Lancashire and other northern parts of England will have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights on Thursday, October 10.
A Met Office spokesperson explained the conditions that could lead to a display of the Northern Lights, saying, “For tonight and early morning Wednesday, there will only be a slight chance of visible aurora across the far north of Scotland. Further ahead this week, a further coronal mass ejection (CME), [an ejection from the sun which causes the aurora] could give a glancing impact, most likely on Thursday. This forecast may change however, as this CME is still under assessment.” Coronal mass ejections are bursts of plasma from the sun that can cause geomagnetic storms on Earth, leading to the spectacular lights that people hope to see.
The Met Office added, “Any impact that may occur could bring visible aurora as far south as areas including southern Scotland and perhaps the far north of England. Please feel free to check back in with us tomorrow.” For those eager to witness the lights, the best time to look is generally between 11 PM and 2 AM when the sky is at its darkest. To increase your chances of seeing the aurora, it’s recommended to find a location with minimal light pollution and to look toward the northern horizon.
This year has already been remarkable for sightings of the Aurora Borealis in the UK, with 2024 standing out as a bumper year for the phenomenon. One of the highlights came in May when the Northern Lights were visible across the country, including from back gardens and other unexpected locations. The potential for another display this week has raised excitement among skywatchers, especially since the Northern Lights are typically much more visible in countries closer to the Arctic Circle, such as Norway, Finland, and Canada.
For those in Lancashire hoping to catch the display, there are a number of excellent stargazing spots in the area, particularly in the Forest of Bowland. This region is renowned for having some of the darkest skies in England and has been officially recognized as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, making it a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights and other astronomical events.
The Forest of Bowland offers several specific locations that are ideal for stargazing. These include Beacon Fell Country Park, Gisburn Forest Hub, Slaidburn village car park, the Crook o’ Lune Picnic Site, and Clerk Laithe Lodge guest house in Newton-in-Bowland. These spots are far removed from the light pollution of urban areas, providing unobstructed views of the night sky and making them perfect for those hoping to see the Northern Lights. With its dark skies and quiet surroundings, the Forest of Bowland has become a haven for astronomers and nature lovers alike.
Another top stargazing location in Lancashire is Clitheroe Castle, located in the heart of the Ribble Valley. The castle, which sits atop a hill, offers an elevated and uninterrupted view of the night sky. On a clear evening, it’s possible to see the Milky Way and other celestial wonders from this historic site. The castle often hosts stargazing events, making it a popular destination for both amateur astronomers and curious locals. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check the Clitheroe Castle website for any upcoming events that might coincide with this week’s potential Northern Lights display.
Pendle Hill is another location worth considering for stargazing. Known for its association with the Pendle Witches and its challenging hiking trails, Pendle Hill is also a great spot to observe the night sky. The hill’s elevation provides sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, and on a clear night, the dark skies make it a perfect location to watch for the Northern Lights. However, it’s important to take precautions if you plan to hike up Pendle Hill in the dark. The uneven terrain can be tricky to navigate at night, so it’s advisable only to ascend or descend if you’re an experienced hiker and have the proper equipment. Warm clothing is also essential, as it can get chilly at the top, especially at night.
For those looking for a quieter, less elevated spot, Tockholes Plantation near Blackburn is another great option. This woodland area is far from city lights, offering a peaceful and dark environment ideal for stargazing. Whether you’re with friends or family, Tockholes Plantation provides a serene setting for a night out under the stars. In addition to stargazing, the area offers several hiking trails for daytime exploration, making it a versatile location for nature lovers.
While the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights in Lancashire this week is exciting, it’s important to remember that weather conditions and solar activity can be unpredictable. Even with a favorable aurora forecast, local cloud cover or other atmospheric conditions could hinder visibility. As such, it’s a good idea to check the latest weather updates and aurora forecasts before heading out. There are several apps and websites that track geomagnetic activity in real-time, giving stargazers the best chance of catching the aurora when it appears.
In conclusion, this week presents a unique opportunity for residents of Lancashire to witness the Northern Lights, one of nature’s most spectacular displays. With the best chances of visibility predicted for Thursday night, October 10, stargazers should prepare to head to dark, rural areas with clear views of the northern horizon. Whether you’re watching from the Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe Castle, Pendle Hill, or Tockholes Plantation, the chance to see the Aurora Borealis is an unforgettable experience that brings together the beauty of the natural world and the mysteries of our solar system.
While the lights may not always be visible, just the prospect of seeing them has sparked excitement and a renewed interest in stargazing across the region. For those fortunate enough to witness the display, it’s sure to be a moment that will be remembered for years to come. And for those who miss it this time, the increasing frequency of Northern Lights sightings in the UK offers hope that there will be more opportunities to see this incredible phenomenon in the future.