The Northern Lights will be visible tonight - here's how and when to see them; If you've always wanted to see the Northern Lights, tonight could be the night.

Byline: Laura Love

If you've always wanted to see the Northern Lights, tonight could be the night.

The Met Office has said that the aurora will bevisible from parts of the UK tonight, including the North East.

It tweeted: "CME (coronal mass ejection) forecast to arrive late 23rd March following C5 flare from sunspot AR2736.

"Active-minor geomagnetic storm periods possible with low risk of moderate storms.

"As a result, aurora may be visible in Scotland where cloud breaks."

A coronal mass ejection, otherwise known as a solar flare, is a release of plasma that strikes the Earth's magnetic field.

In turn, this causes theNorthern Lightsto shimmer through the night sky.

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While the Met Office is yet to reveal the best time and location to see theNorthern Lights, you should be prepared from about 9pm to 6am.

Here are some top tips.

1. Stay away from light pollution

To see the aurora you need clear and dark skies, so get as far away from cities and towns as you can.

It's best to see the lights in a "dark sky location" during the peak hours of roughly 9pm and 1am.

2. Be prepared

If you're really dedicating to seeing theNorthern Lights, make sure you're prepared.

Bring along a blanket to sit on and lots of layers!

3. Keep up to date with the latest light activity

To make sure you're up-to-date with the latest light activity, followAuroraWatch UK on Twitter, which provides updates on when and where the aurora will be visible.

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Credit: PA

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, shining over St Mary's Island