Updated 23:35 BST, 6th September 2026
Solar wind conditions are currently showing some encouraging signs for aurora activity over the UK tonight, with a sustained southward Bz currently in progress and substorm activity already being detected. A potential glancing blow from a CME is also expected around 8th September, with NOAA having issued a minor G1 geomagnetic storm watch for that date. Here's a full breakdown of what's happening and what it means for aurora watchers across the British Isles.
What is causing the elevated solar wind?
The Sun has been very active over the past few days, with multiple eruptions and CMEs from the east limb. While most of these have been directed away from Earth, we are currently within a high speed stream from a coronal hole that began to face Earth a few days ago, which is contributing to the slightly elevated solar wind conditions we are seeing right now.
In addition, a C8.5 solar flare around active region AR 4524 on 5th September produced a CME that may be partially Earth-directed. Space weather forecasters are predicting a potential glancing blow arrival around 8th September, and NOAA have issued a minor G1 geomagnetic storm watch for that date. We will keep you updated with any developments as they unfold.
The source regions on the east limb are also now beginning to rotate into Earth-facing view, which gives us real hope for more directly Earth-directed activity over the coming week or two.
Current solar wind conditions
As of 23:35 BST this evening, the solar wind conditions are as follows:
- Solar wind speed — currently at 355 km/s, a fairly average speed consistent with coronal hole high speed stream activity
- Solar wind density — currently at 6.2 particles per cm³, slightly elevated
- IMF strength (Bt) — currently at 8.5 nT and steadily ramping up, indicating a moderate level of magnetic energy available to drive geomagnetic activity
- IMF polarity (Bz) — currently hovering near neutral at around -1 nT, having been slightly negative for a prolonged period. We are hoping the Bz drops further south and holds, which would allow aurora activity to build
The Bz is the key ingredient to watch tonight. When the Bz points southward, it aligns opposite to Earth's own magnetic field, allowing the solar wind to connect with Earth's magnetosphere through a process called magnetic reconnection and it is this process that drives the geomagnetic activity responsible for producing the aurora.
What is already happening
Substorm activity is already being detected and aurora is currently visible for those at higher latitudes, including Scotland. Conditions are marginal for much of the UK right now but if the Bz drops further south and holds, activity could build through the night. Aurora activity can come in bursts, so even if things are quiet initially it is worth staying patient and keeping watch.
Earth weather
Cloud cover is a mixed bag across the UK tonight with pockets of clear skies predicted throughout the night. The best opportunities for clear skies look to be in north-east Scotland and parts of north-east England. As always, weather forecasts are never 100% accurate and the only way to be sure is to head out and check your northern horizon!
Lunar conditions
Good news on the Moon front tonight! The Moon is currently at around 20% illumination and does not rise until 00:42 BST, giving a good window of moonless skies for the earlier part of the night. Lunar light pollution will not be a significant issue tonight. 🌙
Astronomical darkness
We are now heading into autumn, which means the nights are getting longer and darker skies are returning. True astronomical darkness is now falling earlier and lasting longer — great news for aurora hunters as we head towards the equinox!
Who has the best chance tonight?
Those in Scotland and northern England have the best chance of seeing aurora tonight, with some chance for Northern Ireland and Wales if activity increases. The key factors will be how far south the Bz drops and how long it holds southward, whether the approaching CME provides an earlier than expected boost, and of course local cloud cover.
Tips for aurora spotting
- Get away from light pollution — even a short drive out of town can make a dramatic difference
- Allow your eyes to dark adapt — give yourself at least 15–20 minutes away from bright lights
- Use your camera — the aurora is often visible in camera images before it becomes clearly visible to the naked eye. Try a 10–15 second exposure at a high ISO pointing toward the northern horizon
- Face north — the aurora will appear on the northern horizon, rising higher into the sky as activity increases
- Stay patient — aurora activity can come and go in bursts. It is worth staying out for a while and checking periodically
- Monitor space weather — keep an eye on Space Weather Live (spaceweatherlive.com) or the Met Office Space Weather forecast for real-time updates
- Stay safe — if heading out to dark sky locations, let someone know where you are going and take a torch and warm layers
We'll keep watching
We will be monitoring conditions throughout the evening and will post updates as reports come in from across the UK. If you spot the aurora tonight, we would love to see your photos, please share them with us on Facebook and Instagram @astrodoguk! 💚
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And if you would like to experience the night sky with us in person, head to our website to find out about our upcoming stargazing events:
Wishing you clear skies and good luck! ✨
