Astro dogFor many people there was a real sign that we came up at the beginning of this month when the Northern Lights were seen for the first time in the all Britain.
The Aurora dazzles when, as in the case in September, they can be viewed with breathtaking displays in the largest part of the country from Scotland and Wales to Kent.
Many fans of the lights go to the Great Britain wilderness to take photos that are armed with the latest equipment – but could we just stay at home and see them and take a photo on our phones?
In the right circumstances, it is first possible to look the northern lights out of your bedroom window, says expert Dr. Maria-Theresia Walach.
She once saw the Aurora in the eye from the city center of Lancaster in red, green and purple, but admitted that it was “a rare event”.
Chris DenningDr. Walach, who comes from Lancaster University and is also a member of the Aurorawatch UK team, said it was generally possible to see the Aurora in cities and cities – but it hung from cloud and light pollution, which could even include the moon.
It was possible that she could see her from her bedroom window, she added.
“For example, if we are in a geomagnetic storm, you can definitely,” she said.
“Windows do not cover the light of the Aurora, but depending on the street lamps, it could be more difficult.”
When asked whether Aurora hunter should find a high place to watch the sky, said Dr. Walach: “No, not at all.”
If you are high, it only helps because it is possible to continue seeing, she added.
The further north she helps, she says. Scandinavia and North Scotland are still the best places to see the northern lights.
In order to know when the Northern Lights will probably be visible in the night sky this autumn and winter, the Council, Simon King, especially from the main weather moderator of the BBC, is to check the predictions
Wait for improved solar activity and check the weather because the lights are not visible in a cloudy sky, he added.
This year it will probably be a good one to see them, as we are at a climax in the 11-year activity cycle of the sun, which will continue in 2025.
Nicole Carr and Simon Scott von Astro Dog, a company who runs star gazing, photography and educational events, said that people who were able to travel, weather radar apps could use gaps in the cloud.
“Endurance can pay on cloudy nights,” they said. “You never know if there are gaps in the clouds at the right moment.”
They said they sat hundreds of nights in the cold and darkness without seeing anything other than “if you are lucky and catching a display, it makes it all the more special”.
Astro dogIf you want to go out actively and find a good place to see and photograph the lights, we spoke to some of the country's Aurora hunters.
Ian Parkes from Wombourne, Staffordshire, said that he initially checked social media on graphics when Solar torches are coming – and then watch one of the three free mobile apps he uses – Aurora Watch UK, Glendale and Aurora UK.
Usually he visits sheep walks in Staffordshire and takes a DSLR camera with a tripod and a remote control, but added that everyone could take a phone.
The key, he said, was always to look north and remember that the Aurora could be quite low, and added that it often looks black and white – or like a cloud.
“It is a WoW moment, especially when you see it for the first time, it's just incredible,” he said. “It's only with nature with one.”
Mr. Parkes said he saw the lights seven times in two years and added: “Every time I went out, I saw it.”
Ian ParkesIf you want to know whether you are near a good place in Great Britain to see the Aurora or a place to which you can be, BBC Countryfile created a list of the country's best websites in September to see it.
This included the official Dark Sky reserves of the UK areas in which light pollution is particularly low – and below:
- The Brecon Beacons
- Persection hunt in southern England
- Snowdonia
- Exmoor
- Moores Reserve in the South Downs
- North York Moors National Park
- Yorkshire Dales National Park
The hot spots also included the coast of Northumberland, Lerwick in Shetland, the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland.
They were also seen in many places in the Midlands, including in Shropshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.
Josh DruryDr. Walach proposed in the leading role that people are looking for a darker area in the country, turning off torches and leaving time for their eyes.
“It can take about 10 minutes or more for your eyes to adjust completely to darker rooms,” she said.
“The Aurora also moves a lot in the sky, so I also recommend a warm coat and a hot chocolate.”
The Nottingham photographer Chris Denning receives his Aurora forecasts from Facebook, where the Aurora alarm channel from Wil warns as much as possible.
However, he advised people to manage their expectations because many Aurora events were only visible from the camera.
The most important thing was to enjoy the chase, he said and added: “Sometimes you win and sometimes you won't be, but that's half a lot of fun.”
Chris DenningJames Rowley-Hill in Norfolk recommended the coastal areas and fields in the middle of nowhere to escape strong light pollution.
He said “expectation against reality” was the biggest problem and added: “Many people consider this to be normal if it really is not.”
While Josh Drury, a photographer based in Somerset, often hung from the forecast.
“You need a good storm. You need a clear sky,” he said.
“If we have an Aurora, you have to drop absolutely everything and try to catch it.
“A lot of it is a pot of luck.”
James Rowley-Hill
Chris Denning