Why 2026 could be another dazzling year for the Northern Lights

On 11 November, a large solar flare measuring X5.1 – on a scale that runs from X1 to X10 and beyond – was observed on the Sun. It released a huge amount of energy towards Earth, resulting in one of the best aurora displays of the year, with sightings even reported in southern England.

While this was the strongest flare of 2025, it did not come close to the spectacular events of May and October 2024, when X8.8 and X9 solar flares were recorded respectively.

Although we are now past the peak of the current solar cycle and heading towards “solar minimum”, expected around 2031-32, solar activity will remain relatively high through 2026.

Even in a quieter year, it only takes one large solar flare or a coronal mass ejection directed towards Earth to produce a stunning Northern Lights display across the UK.

The spring and autumn equinoxes can also bring a slight increase in activity due to the alignment of the Sun and Earth – what’s known as the Russell-McPherron effect.

This means you are roughly twice as likely to see the aurora at these times of year.