There are expected to be more opportunities to view the dazzling spectacle this winter
A UK island has been crowned as the prime location for viewing the Northern Lights while the solar maximum continues to give Brits opportunities to spot the dazzling display.
The coming months are predicted to offer the best opportunity this decade to witness the aurora borealis in all its glory, before the sun’s 11-year cycle starts to transition away from a phase that has produced magnificent spectacles in the skies over the past couple of years.
Iceland’s leading airline, Icelandair, has offered expert advice on how to fully enjoy the aurora season in the UK and how to snap breathtaking photos with a simple setting adjustment on your iPhone. Gísli S. Brynjólfsson, the Global Marketing Director at Icelandair, emphasises the significance of latitude and darkness when it comes to observing the Northern Lights.
This is why Shetland – the northernmost part of the UK and one of the most secluded, tops his list of aurora spotting locations in the UK, reports the Mirror.
In Shetland, which is situated approximately 100 miles from the northernmost point of mainland Britain, the frequently seen aurora is affectionately known by locals as the ‘mirrie dancers’. There are several other reasons why a visit to the Shetlands is a great idea.
Fans of the BBC detective series, named after its setting, will delight in recognising some of Inspector Jimmy Perez’s favourite spots. In an exciting development, Unst, the northernmost of the Shetland Islands, is now home to SaxaVord, Europe’s first fully licensed vertical launch Spaceport. Soon, rockets will be launching from this port, carrying satellites into space.
Plan a trip to Shetland at the end of January – a prime time for viewing the Northern Lights – and you’ll also get to experience the world-renowned Up Helly Aa fire festival. This event, traditionally held on the last Tuesday of January, honours Shetland’s Norse heritage.
Every year, thousands of visitors journey to the UK’s most northerly islands to witness the evening torchlit procession through Lerwick, culminating in the burning of a replica Viking long ship.
No matter when you visit, the stunning beauty of the island chain is sure to take your breath away. Shetland boasts rolling hills, expansive moors, and broad beaches teeming with seals.
According to the Met Office, the Northern Lights can also be spotted across portions of mainland Britain, especially Scotland, northern England, north Wales, and Northern Ireland, when robust space weather conditions occur.
Since the sun can be rather unpredictable regarding when it decides to put on a spectacular display (a solar storm), it’s wise to keep tabs on a website called Aurora Watch.
There you can monitor the sun’s geomagnetic activity in real time, which will inform you when the Northern Lights are likely to be visible from Britain.
Mr Brynjólfsson outlined why September to March represents prime viewing season. He said: “Iceland is one of the most magical destinations to see the northern lights. The official Northern Lights season runs from September to March. During this time of year, days are darkest and shortest, translating to northern lights peak viewing time.”
He added: “If you’ve already got a vacation to Iceland booked and are planning a trip to see the northern lights, the Icelandic Met Office provides a Northern Lights forecast with predictions for the coming three days. The map displays cloud coverage over Iceland, and a numbered KP index scale is located in the top right corner, indicating the level of solar activity. The scale ranges from 0 to 9 (very low to very strong).”
The top British locations to catch the Northern Lights, according to Icelandair:
- Shetland Islands
- Orkney Islands
- Outer Hebrides
- Isle of Skye
- Caingorms National Park
- Northumberland
- Cumbria
- County Antrim
- Dumfries and Galloway
- North Yorkshire
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