Keep your eyes on the skies over Cheshire these next few nights – because there is a chance might just catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
The Aurora borealis has been visible over parts of Northumberland in the last few days, and if weather conditions allow, they could be seen over Cheshire this weekend.
The Met Office say: "Assuming clear, dark skies, the aurora should be visible on the northern horizon from much of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and possibly into northern England and Wales, with the naked eye."
It is not fully understood why, but there are increased sightings of the Northern Lights in the UK around the Autumn Equinox, which occurred last Thursday.
Another factor is the Sun's solar cycle. Coronal holes (dark patches on the surface) are currently sitting near the Sun's equator, causing high speed solar wind streams that will disturb the Earth's magnetic field from Thursday evening onwards.
The strength of these disturbances is directly related to how far south the Northern Lights can be seen.
