Brits may have another chance to see Northern Lights as site reveals when they're likely to appear

People all over the UK were left astonished this past weekend when we were treated to stunning views of the northern lights.

The spectacular light display - also known as the aurora borealis - occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth's atmosphere.

Their characteristic wavy patterns are best seen at the magnetic poles, so for years, people have travelled to the likes Iceland, Greenland and Norway in hopes of catching a glimpse of them.

But, due to an 'extreme geomagnetic storm' and clear skies, the aurora was recently visible a lot closer to home, with Brits up and down the country snapping incredible shots of the magnificent sight.

An 'extreme' geomagnetic storm meant that the Northern Lights were visible from the UK last weekend (PA)

The view was most spectacular on Friday (10 May), with the following night giving those who'd missed it a chance to catch up.

But will there be another opportunity to see the northern lights if you missed them altogether?

Unfortunately, the odds aren't looking too good.

While the sun is still in a period of high activity, the weather isn't so favourable, with rain clouds making it harder to see.

Professor Jim Wild, a space physicist from the University of Lancaster, spoke to Metro about the chances that the northern lights will make another UK appearance this weekend.

"It all depends on what the Sun does in the next couple of days," he said.

While activity is starting to return to its baseline levels, it wouldn't take much for the Sun to send more particles our way.

An expert says it's unlikely we'll get the same views this coming weekend (PA)

"Those amazing displays on Friday night into Saturday morning were triggered by solar activity that launched material from the Sun last Wednesday, and it took a couple of days to cross space and get to us.

"Over the weekend, a couple more of these clouds of material arrived from the Sun – not quite so big or so powerful, but they did trigger some more display."

He continued: "At the moment that activity is subsiding, but we know there are potentially some more of these clouds of material on the way, and the Sun could emit more again because it is especially active at the moment.

"So I wouldn’t say no, there’s no chance, but I think Friday and Saturday were the main events."

As your best chance of seeing them in the future, you can sign up for alerts from AuroraWatch UK.

Visibility tends to be best in the early hours of the morning, when the sky is at its darkest, and away from sources of light pollution.