07 January 2024 , 11:21
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Scientists are predicting that 2024 will be the best year in over a decade to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
This is because the sun is set to reach its solar maximum between January and October. This is part of the sun's 11 year cycle, the period with the greatest solar activity and intense solar storms.
According to Dr Dibyendu Nandi, a physicist from the IISER Kolkata Center of Excellence in Space Sciences in India , solar storms create "beautiful auroras so we can expect 2024 to be a good year for aurora hunters."
The interesting light displays are due to be more frequent and bright, which could mean that although it's still very rare, some in the UK should have a better chance of seeing them. For example, in November, sky watchers in Dorset, Northumberland and Suffolk got to enjoy the starry display.
Motoring expert Tim Alcock said: "The Northern Lights can only be described as one of the most beautiful sights to ever lay your eyes on. While you can’t just look out of your window and hope the lights will appear, there are some locations in the UK and Ireland that have higher chances of them showing such as Wales, the Shetland Islands and Yorkshire."
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The interesting light displays are due to be more frequent and bright (Getty Images/Stocktrek Images)One possible location to catch the Northern Lights include Lake District, Cumbria, where its been spotted on multiple occasions. The heart of the lake district is a good place to spot it, especially when there are solar storms.
According to experts, Grizedale Forest was also named "one of the best spots to get a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis," as well as being great for stargazing. A number of star gazing events take place in this area of forest between Windemere and Coinston lakes.
Another spot is the Isle of Anglesey in Wales. Tim explained: "The largest island in Wales will likely host the Northern Lights over winter as they’ve been consistently on display over the last few years."
He also reveals that in Scotland, the Shetland Islands is a popular location for seeing the Northern Lights. Tim said: "The greenish, purple glow is likely to be spotted in the Shetland Islands. It’s one of the most likely places to spot them throughout the whole of winter, but make sure to visit when it’s a clear night sky'.