A red alert has been issued for the Northern Lights, meaning that the natural phenomenon is "likely" to be visible.

AuroraWatch UK, which monitors the activity of the aurora borealis, gave its latest update at just after 3pm on Friday, June 28. 

A red alert means that it is "likely that aurora will be visible by eye and camera from anywhere in the UK".

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However, local conditions will still need to be right to see the Northern Lights and it needs to be dark with clear skies. 

It follows a spectacular display seen over Norfolk and across the country in May this year. 

 

While the alert was issued during daylight hours, it could be a sign for later on.

AuroraWatch UK says on its website: "We choose to still issue alerts during the daytime for a couple of reasons.

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"Firstly, alerts during the daytime give you prior notice that activity is increased and, if such activity continues into the evening, it gives you time to prepare for aurora hunting later on."

The Northern Lights is caused by charged particles from the sun hitting gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Check the latest updates on the Aurora Watch UK website before heading out to try and see the aurora borealis.