'85% chance' of seeing the Northern Lights over the UK tonight

The Northern Lights pictured over Porsanger Garrison near Lakselv, Norway. Credit: Andrew Milligan /PA Archive/Press Association Images

Experts have predicted an 85% chance seeing the Northern Lights - or Aurora Borealis - tonight.

This natural, colourful light display is usually only seen in northern latitudes, but an explosion of solar particles a couple of days ago means that this rare phenomenon has a higher chance of being seen above the UK tonight.

These vivid colours extend across inky black skies when solar particles collide with atoms high up in the Earth's atmosphere.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights compared to last night - especially for those in Scotland, Cumbria and Northumberland.

Unlike last night, cloud will plague many areas tonight - but luckily those with the highest chance of seeing the Northern Lights will also have the clearest skies.

Keen skygazers should head outside after midnight and look to the north.

If you spot the Northern Lights in the UK tonight, email your pictures to yourstory@itn.co.uk or tweet them to @itvnews