Edinburgh skies could get painted green tonight (September 16) due to a wonderful display of the Northern Lights, after another spectacular show across clear parts of Scotland during the weekend, especially on Friday, September 13. Dark areas around Edinburgh were already graced with stunning natural phenomena this week, such as Loch Lomond, and the chances were high again on September 16 as soon as it gets dark.
The Met Office said: “Auroral activity may increase on early Monday depending on the arrival time of a coronal mass ejection that left the Sun on Saturday. It is most likely to arrive and enhance the aurora after daylight hours on Monday, but there is still a chance of an earlier arrival during the night that could give visible aurora with the naked eye across Scotland, Northern Ireland as well as parts of England and Wales, mainly in the north.
Auroral activity is expected to peak on Monday following the forecast arrival of the previously mentioned coronal mass ejection. However, for the UK this period is expected to coincide with daylight hours. Lingering effects are still likely to persist into Monday night and early Tuesday morning though, meaning that aurora is likely to be visible where skies are clear from Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as parts of England and Wales, mainly in the north. Subsequent nights currently do not indicate a high likelihood of significantly enhanced aurora.”
Where to watch the Northern Lights in Edinburgh
For those constantly on the lookout for space weather reports, it’s important to know where to go for the perfect opportunity to invoke our sense of adventure on an autumn night. A good place to start aurora hunting would be away from light pollution and facing the northern hemisphere. However, as the nights are way shorter now, the chances are, understandably smaller to witness aurora borealis.
A good place to start would be Blackford Hill, as that’s where the Royal Observatory is. Of course, if your sense of adventure is even bigger than going up wee hills, you could also just climb up Arthur’s Seat. What is more, those not wanting any more cardio tonight can opt for a stroll along Portobello or Crammond beaches to allow for some uninterrupted dark views over the water. It is advised that aurora hunters steer away from the city lights for the best chances of seeing the majestic space phenomena.
And as always, check the weather report before leaving the house to avoid any disappointment, but the skies are looking hella clear tonight. So, while there is a strong chance to see the Northern Lights in Scotland, let’s hope we will be graced with the majestic phenomena.