Will the Northern Lights be visible across Hampshire again?

Stargazers across Hampshire were treated to the lights, also known as aurora borealis, last night.

The beautiful phenomena is chiefly influenced by geomagnetic storms, of which a "severe" one was due to reach Earth overnight on October 10, according to the Met Office.

Northern Lights above the New Forest (Image: Amanda Norfolk)

Sightings of the display were only expected in the Midlands and north of England and Scotland.

But relatively clear skies meant people across the south saw the dazzling display.

A spokesperson for the forecaster said there had been “more space weather events in recent months”, including the Northern Lights, because the sun was nearing the peak of its solar cycle.

Further residual viewings could be possible over the weekend, but this is likely to be confined to the likes of Scotland as rain and cloud could obscure the sight.

People may be treated to another sighting tonight, depending on weather conditions. 

Northern Lights above Totton (Image: Ricky Wallis) The auroras are most common over high polar latitudes.

The geomagnetic storms that influence them often originate from the sun, which works on a cycle of around 11 years with peak sunspot activity known as solar maximum.

The sunspots result in potential for releases of large bursts of energy, directed towards Earth, which can lead to aurora visibility.

Northern Lights above Hedge End (Image: Yvonne Macklin) A spokesperson from the Met Office said they are expecting “solar maximum” to be later this year or early 2025.

It will still be possible to see the Northern Lights once we pass solar maximum, but activity will decline.