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Polar lights over Glasgow  Picture: Image: Antony Spencer / Getty / Canva
Polar lights over GlasgowImage: Antony Spencer / Getty / Canva

Glasgow only place in UK to see Southern Lights

Observers must look south and wear sunglasses

Glaswegians are in for a rare treat tonight ... the wonderful Southern Lights.

Glimpses of the lesser-known spectacle are few and far between in the Northern Hemisphere.

But the West of Scotland will have perfect conditions to spy the green and blue display after dark.

The Northern version - or aurora borealis - were recently seen in parts of the city.

Spectacular arcs of colour in the northern skies thrilled nightgazers from Dalmarnock to Drumchapel.

Incredible

Experts, however, predict the Southern Lights later on today will be even more amazing and incredible.

This is what some people might see, somewhere
This is what some people might see, somewhere

Professor Jo Kerr is based at the University of Glasgow where she studies polar lights and celestial phenomenon.

She said it was virtually unknown and frankly quite amazing that anyone could see the Southern Lights in Glasgow.

“It’s hard to believe, but this really will be a thing that will amaze people.

“You just need to make sure you are looking south when the sun goes down.

“It’s important to remember the Southern Lights are in the opposite direction to the aurora borealis.”

It’s hard to believe, but this really will be a thing that will amaze people. You just need to make sure you are looking south when the sun goes down.

Prof Jo Kerr

For people in the West End, the University will be a great place to stand and watch the light show.

If you position yourself by the flagpole on Gilmorehill, you need to be looking over the roof of Kelvingrove Museum.

Unusually, observers are advised to wear sunglasses to block out the glare of the city lights.

And if you persevere for long enough and wait for the clouds to part, you might just glimpse the aurora australis.

Prof Kerr said: “It really will be a rare sight that will likely never come round again in our lifetime.

Make sure to wear sunglasses. Image: Canva
Make sure to wear sunglasses. Image: Canva

“You really would have to be daft not to stand on that hill with sunglasses on at night looking southwards for the polar lights to appear through the clouds.

“Good luck everyone and make sure to write the date down in your diaries and record when you saw the Southern Lights in Glasgow.

“You really wouldn’t want to forget this.”

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