Northern Lights shine in UK skies

Vivid colours of the Northern Lights - or aurora borealis - were spotted on Tuesday night across Scotland.

A solar storm strengthened the aurora bringing it southwards towards the United Kingdom.

While solar activity remains elevated, there is a chance of seeing the Northern Lights again tonight, mostly in the north of the UK.

Although, there could be quite a bit of cloud restricting the view for some.

Late on Tuesday night there was a geomagnetic storm - an increase in the solar energy entering Earth's atmosphere - which enhanced the aurora.

According to 'AuroraWatch UK', solar activity increased with 'amber' and then 'red' alerts being issued late on Tuesday.

BBC Weather Watchers in Scotland were able to capture a spectacular display with vivid purple and green colours filling the sky.

There have been frequent sightings of the aurora in the UK over the last year.

The Sun is currently at a "maximum" in its 11-year solar cycle.

This means there are lots of sunspots on the surface which are like volcanoes and occasionally erupt. They are also known as Coronal Mass Ejections (CME's) and release extra material and energy out to space.

If directed towards Earth, our magnetic field pulls the energy into Earth, entering our atmosphere at the poles.

With solar activity remaining elevated, there could be another chance to see the Northern Lights, mostly across northern areas of the UK on Wednesday night.

However, the forecast is for more cloud across Scotland and Northern Ireland so it may only be visible if there are breaks in the cloud.

There will be clearer skies across England and Wales, though chances of seeing the aurora here is reduced.