The Northern Lights set to be visible across parts of the North West tonight

The North West could play home to the magical Northern Lights this evening, Geologists have said.

While seeing the dazzling Aurora Borealis in action is up at the top of many people’s bucket lists, it is sadly very difficult to pin point to see in person. 

Typically, the Northern Lights can be seen near the poles of both the northern and southern hemispheres, where solar storms are more likely to become captured within the Earth’s magnetic field. 

The aurora’s characteristic patterns and ‘curtains’ of light are caused by these lines of force in the Earth’s magnetic field.

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And while most people never believed this breathtaking phenomenon could ever be seen from these neck of the woods, geologists are confident that it could be seen across some parts of the North West tonight.

According to the British Geological Survey, the Northern Lights could be seen across the region tonight, April 1st, if the skies are clear enough.

According to the BGS, the best way to see the lights is to get yourself away from any brightly lit areas, including cities and towns that generate a lot of light pollution.

Locations with a good view of the northern horizon, such as beaches, headlands or the tops of hills, will also have an advantage.

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And those located further up north near Carlisle will have a better chance of spotting the aurora.

And better yet, the Met Office reports that Manchester is due for an evening of relatively clear skies, unlike the rest of the country.

For more information and real-time updates on the visibility of the Northern Lights in your area, head over to aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk.