Seeing Northern Lights in Scotland
Northern lights are apparently visible in Scotland according to numerous websites. While locations do vary, most seem to say that northern lights are visible pretty much anywhere in the country. What they do not say is how often are they visible.
Suppose I am looking to visit Scotland 6-7 weeks after the fall equinox to coincide with the November new moon, what are the chances that northern lights would be visible some nights from Scotland? I will gladly adjust my location within the country accordingly, if some places are more likely to see this phenomenon.
Thus the question is: How likely is one to see the northern lights in Scotland between the end of October and mid November? Also, where within Scotland would the likelihood be greater?
Best Answer
Go as far north as possible, to a remote location away from city lights. Wait for a period of strong solar activity and a clear night (neither predictable more than a few days in advance, unfortunately), and expect to see only a faint coloured haze above the horizon. If you want to see the ribbons of light arcing through the sky you need to be north of the Arctic Circle.
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Quick Answer about "Seeing Northern Lights in Scotland"
- North West Scotland. The Highland regions of Sutherland and Caithness are prime areas for spotting the northern lights in Scotland. ...
- The Shetland Islands. ...
- The Outer Hebrides. ...
- The Isle of Skye. ...
- Morayshire and Aberdeenshire. ...
- The Cairngorms National Park.
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in Scotland?
Here's a list of some of the best places to see this marvel:- Shetland, Orkney and Caithness (eg. ...
- Aberdeenshire and the Moray Coast (eg. ...
- Lewis, Harris and the most northerly tip of Skye.
- The far north west of Scotland (eg. ...
- The Cairngorms.
- Galloway Forest Park \u2013 the only Dark Sky Park in Scotland!
What months can you see the northern lights in Scotland?
You are more likely to see the northern lights in Scotland between September and March. The reason is that you can better distinguish the colours of the aurora when the night sky is dark. That's why you should look out for them in autumn and winter, as the nights are longer and darker compared to the summer.What part of Scotland can you see the northern lights?
The most northerly parts of the country are the most obvious place to go to see the northern lights. Both the Orkney and Shetland isles have remote areas that will be perfect for viewing them but stay away from populated areas like Lerwick and Kirkwall due to the light pollution.When can you see the northern lights in Skye?
You cannot see auroras on Skye in June and July because it is too light at night. The best times of year are October through to March. The best months for aurora are around the equinoxes: March, September and October.How To See The Northern Lights 🌠 Where To Go \u0026 What To Look Out For
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Answer 2
I've spent many years looking at the sky in the UK and never seen even a hint of green on the horizon. Often there's a report of a high KP number but the sky will be overcast. Scottish weather is notoriously prone to cloud
One way you can improve your chances is to take an aurora-spotting flight. These are fairly regular in the UK and fly north of the mainland, above the cloud. One company offering these is Aurora Flights, Omega Breaks also offer them - never been on one so I'd check with Trip Advisor before booking
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