LAST night, parts of Cumbria were treated to a dazzling display of multi-coloured skies as the Northern Lights lit up the night.

Members of the News & Star Camera Club were quick to capture and share stunning images of the skies as the aurora borealis shone over the likes of Haweswater, Bassenthwaite and Brampton. 

Stargazers across the country have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on numerous occasions already in 2024.

Alan Graham's shot at Bassenthwaite LakeAlan Graham's shot at Bassenthwaite Lake (Image: AGraham)

The most recent reports of Northern Lights activity came earlier this week.

If you missed last night's display, fear not — there's good news on the horizon. 

According to the Met Office, Brits will have another chance to see this natural wonder tonight (Friday, September 13).

Read more: Northern Lights from Hesket Newmarket shines in New York Times

The Met Office Space Weather forecast reads: "The auroral oval is likely to become enhanced during the period.

"A coronal mass ejection (CME) is forecast to arrive at Earth Thursday night into Friday.

Northern lights over BramptonNorthern lights over Brampton (Image: Charlotte Draper)

"Aurora sightings may become visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England and similar geomagnetic latitudes."

 “Another CME arrival overnight Friday into Saturday brings a chance of further visible aurora to northern areas of the UK, primarily Scotland," according to Met Office forecasts.

Another great photo from Jonny Gios PhotographyAnother great photo from Jonny Gios Photography (Image: jgios.com)

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the sun hitting gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

The colours occur due to different gases in the Earth's atmosphere being energised by the charged particles.

Nitrogen and oxygen are the two most common gases in the atmosphere, with nitrogen emitting purple, blue and pink colours and oxygen emitting green.