Many of us are looking forward to celebrating the day of love either at a nice dinner, a round of crazy golf or by avoiding the crowds and staying in. However, those who are keen for a wee evening stroll (or a hike, for that matter) can adventure outside into the seven hills of Edinburgh tonight (February 14). And who knows, maybe they will be lucky to witness the Northern Lights in those clear skies that have been forecast for tonight.
The Met Office said: “There is a chance of aurora reaching northern Scotland, and just a slight chance of reaching further south to Northern Ireland and northern England.”
Where to go Northern Lights hunting
Those sound like amazing news, presenting us with the ideal opportunity of invoking our sense of adventure this Valentine’s Day. A good place to start aurora hunting 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 to stroll along Portobello or Crammond beaches to allow for some uninterrupted dark views over the water.
The Met Office space weather forecast also stated: “Weak Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) effects are possible during the 14th from a potential glancing CME. This may give some enhancement to the auroral oval, although most probably limited to higher latitudes. There is a slight chance of aurora reaching northern Scotland.”
The weather is also set to be clear tonight and around seven degrees – but the best way to spot the Northern Lights is to head away from the city lights. So, while the weather is in favour, why not pack a thermos of hot coco with blankets and make it a romantic night out stargazing.