Look out for the NORTHERN LIGHTS

Northern Lights from earlier this year Credit: Ivor Miller

It is a natural wonder that captures the imagination and tonight could prove to be a rare chance to glimpse the Northern Lights.

Two solar flares have heightened the chances of the phenomenon, known as the aurora borealis, being spotted in our region.

The first of two coronal mass ejections, huge bubbles of gas from the sun, hit the earth's atmosphere overnight, according to the Space Weather Prediction Centre in the US.

A statement on the Space Weather Prediction Centre website says "storming" could go on until Sunday.

Best views will probably be out to sea Credit: Craig Stapleton

There is always a question mark over exactly what we will see - and low cloud and mist could ruin the sight for stargazers inland.

The best chance to see the natural wonder is in the north of the UK - particularly looking out to sea where the skies will be clearer.