Keep an Eye on the Sky Tonight – ‘Cannibal Storm’ Could Bring Dazzling Northern Lights

A so-called “cannibal storm” is heading towards Earth, and it could light up the night sky with a spectacular display of the Northern Lights.

According to the British Geological Survey, the storm—a surge of particles, energy, and magnetic fields caused by recent solar flares—has the potential to disrupt GPS navigation, communications systems, and power grids. But for stargazers, there’s an exciting upside: a chance to witness an unusually strong aurora.

The solar flares erupted a few days ago, and after a roughly 48-hour journey through space, they’re now arriving at our planet. Experts say the aurora is expected to peak this evening around 5pm, gradually weakening as the night goes on, but still giving plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse (if we're lucky!).

With clear spells forecast across the UK and generally dry conditions overnight, tonight is a perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of this rare celestial phenomenon.

Weather Outlook for Tonight

• Staying largely dry with variable amounts of cloud.

• Occasional clear spells, perfect for spotting the aurora.

• Breezy and mild, with some outbreaks of rain arriving from the south by dawn.

Top Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights on Your Mobile

Even if your eyes can’t pick out the colours, your camera often can. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Use a tripod or stable surface – even slight movement can blur the shot.

2. Turn off your flash – the aurora is faint, and a flash will just wash it out.

3. Enable long exposure or night mode – many phones have an “astro” or “night sky” setting.

4. Focus manually if you can – tap the screen to focus on a distant object or the horizon.

5. Keep your lens clean – a smudge can ruin low-light shots.

6. Experiment with apps – third-party camera apps often give more control over exposure and ISO.

If you manage to photograph any of the aurora display, please email your pictures to news@blackcatradio.org