Balanced News: Northern Lights to be more visible in southern England for the next two years

The Northern Lights are likely to be more visible from Southern England over the next two years, as the sun becomes more active with the approach of the solar maximum. Solar activity is set to peak in July 2025, and astronomers say that increased activity this far in advance of the solar maximum bodes well for future displays of the Northern Lights in Britain. The Northern Lights are caused when particles from the sun excite molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, which can produce a range of different colors. Sunday night’s display of the Northern Lights was particularly striking because it coincided with a cloud-free sky, clear air, and a dim moon, allowing the aurora to be seen over long distances in areas with little light pollution. However, heightened solar activity can also pose a risk to satellites, aircraft, and power grids.