Northern Lights could be visible from Shropshire tonight

The Northern Lights could be seen from Shropshire tonight but whether we'll be able to see it depends on cloud cover.

Anyone in Shropshire, the Midlands, and further north, might have a chance of catching sight of the natural phenomenon.

Lancaster University’s AuroraWatch UK has issued its second highest alert for sightings.

A Met Office spokesperson said:

"As the UK becomes dark tonight, there is an increased chance of the aurora being visible as far south as the Midlands."

"Anyone in the Midlands and further north tonight might have a chance of catching sight of the northern lights.

"As you would expect, cloud cover could get in the way, even if the dancing lights are overhead.

"You need a clear sky and a dark place to view them, the best viewing time is from midnight - 3am, but with big storms, you can still see them whenever it's dark and active."

The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light display caused by charged particles colliding in the Earth's atmosphere and is seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemisphere.