Could Scottish skies be awash with colour thanks to Northern Lights tonight?

Stargazers across Scotland will have their eyes on the skies on Wednesday, due to the heightened chance of an appearance of the Northern Lights.

Aurora levels have been heightened due to an eruption from the sun called a “coronal mass ejection”.

If the eruption of highly charged particles is directed towards the earth they can engage with its magnetic field and create the light phenomenon.

Stunning displays of the Northern Lights have already been seen across Scotland this year with a strong geometric storm putting on a dazzling display in May.

STV meteorologist Sean Batty said although the lights may be visible on Wednesday, a cloudy forecast, a near full moon, and limited hours of darkness in July could hinder a light display.

However, all is not lost with Sean adding there will be “plenty” of opportunities to see the dancing lights in the winter season when the sun reaches a peak in activity.

Insight Sean Batty STV Meteorologist

Aurora levels will be heightened due to what’s known as a coronal mass ejection, or CME, from the sun which is an eruption of highly charged particles which race through space, and if directed towards earth, engage with our magnetic field to give us the magical dancing lights.

Despite the fact that it could be visible all the way south into northern England, there’s a lot going against being able to see them on Wednesday night – lots of cloud, a near full moon, and of course limited hours of darkness in July.

You really don’t have to worry about missing out on this as I think there will be plenty opportunities in the coming winter as the sun reaches a peak in activity.