Where Can People Find The Northern Lights In Yorkshire During The G5 Cannibal Solar Storm?

Tonight, something pretty special is happening in the skies above the UK. For the first time in over twenty years, a massive solar storm is set to make the Northern Lights visible as far south as North Yorkshire. On 12 November 2025, residents have a rare chance to see this incredible natural light show without booking a flight to Iceland.

But this spectacular event comes with a warning, the very same storm has the power to disrupt technology on Earth. It’s a cosmic trade-off: a beautiful display with a hint of trouble.

What Exactly Is A 'Cannibal Storm'?

It sounds like something straight out of science fiction, doesn’t it? A cannibal storm happens when the Sun releases a burst of energy known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), followed by a second, faster one. When the second overtakes the first, the two merge into one enormous, more powerful storm.

That’s what’s heading our way, a huge solar event with an even bigger impact.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) has been monitoring the situation closely and has raised its geomagnetic forecast to the highest possible level.

Dr Gemma Richardson, Geomagnetic Hazard Specialist at BGS, explained:

“Current predictions suggest that a second storm, feeding off the first, will result in potentially the largest solar storm to hit our planet in over two decades.”

Scientists expect it could reach G5 on the NOAA storm scale, the most extreme category. If G1 is minor, G5 is the Category 5 hurricane of space weather.

A Beautiful Display With A Serious Side

Seeing the Northern Lights in Yorkshire is exciting, but this storm has a dangerous edge. The powerful energy interacting with Earth’s magnetic field can disrupt vital systems.

The first wave of the storm has already caused problems.

Dr Richardson reported:

“Dubbed a ‘cannibal storm’, the first event has already disrupted communications and GPS satellite accuracy. At ground level, it created the biggest measured geoelectric field since BGS records began in 2012.”

A geoelectric field is essentially an electric current in the ground. When it becomes too strong, it can overload systems and cause malfunctions.

The government has warned that this major solar storm could impact:

• Power grids – with the potential for widespread blackouts
• Communication systems – including radio and emergency services
• Satellite orbits – affecting weather forecasts, TV, internet, and GPS

Dr Richardson added:

“The increase in activity from the coming storm could have further, significant impacts on space and ground-based technologies.”

It’s a reminder that space weather doesn’t just look spectacular, it can be incredibly disruptive.

How To See The Aurora Borealis In North Yorkshire

For most people, the headline is simple: you can see the Northern Lights tonight. So where should people in Yorkshire head to for the best view?

The Met Office says:

“The best conditions to view the lights are when the sky is dark and clear of any clouds. Cloud cover ultimately blocks the view of the light… ideally away from any light pollution, facing the northern horizon.”

So, city centres are out. Streetlights and building lights wash out the colours, making the aurora hard to see.

The Best Places In Yorkshire To See The Northern Lights

To get a great view, people should head to darker, rural areas such as:

• North-facing coastal spots like Whitby or Scarborough
• Moorland viewpoints across the North York Moors
• High ground with clear northern views
• Dark rural villages away from towns and cities

Anywhere with low light pollution and a clear-seeing horizon to the north is ideal. The North Yorkshire coast in particular is tipped to deliver striking views over the sea.

Viewing Tips

To maximise the chance of seeing the aurora:

• Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for 20 minutes
• Avoid using your phone, it ruins night vision
• Look low on the northern horizon
• Cross your fingers for clear skies

If conditions line up, the Northern Lights could put on a once-in-a-generation show across Yorkshire — a rare and unforgettable moment created by a dramatic G5 cannibal storm.