Edinburgh skies are set to be painted green tonight (April 19) with a spectacular display of the Northern Lights with clear skies, marking the official start of the season. According to AuroraWatch UK, the chances are high from 3pm on April 19 so let’s hope we will get plenty of aurora sightings throughout the dark hours during the two days.
The Met Office said: “The late arrival of a coronal mass ejection and the onset of fast solar winds have resulted in minor to moderate geomagnetic storming, that may persist into Friday evening, before easing early Saturday morning. (19-20 Apr). This could allow some viewing of the aurora across parts northern England and Scotland, and similar latitudes, before easing. Further minor enhancements are possible on Saturday and Sunday night, however these are low confidence.”
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 once the rain clears. 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.