The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis could be visible across Wiltshire tonight – and here’s where you may be able to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
The best chance to see the aurora will be later this evening (Tuesday, April 15) continuing into tomorrow (April 16).
The Met Office state as part of their Space Weather forecast: “The aurora is expected to be at normal background levels until the arrival of a Coronal Mass Ejection.
“This is likely to bring the auroral oval to northern parts of the UK and similar geomagnetic latitudes, with a chance of some visibility towards the northern horizon for much of England.
The weather looks set to stay changeable as we move towards the weekend with low pressure never too far away 🌦️
— Met Office (@metoffice) April 15, 2025
We'll be pinning down the weather detail over the next few days, so stay up to date with what to expect for Easter 🐣 pic.twitter.com/s0N1NJL09A
“However, cloud cover over much of the UK will limit aurora viewings. The auroral oval will ease to background levels thereafter.”
For Wiltshire, the Met Office currently state that "overcast weather will change to sunny intervals later this evening and tomorrow morning" – giving a good chance of being able to spot any changes in the night sky.
Wiltshire is known for its soaring open landscapes and picturesque spots for stargazers to indulge in rare celestial sights such as this – so we’ve picked out five dark sky locations where the Northern Lights may be visible.
Dark sky locations in Wiltshire
Cley Hill, Warminster
Cley Hill isn’t just a great place to stargaze, but it’s also rumoured to be a UFO hotspot too.
There’s a small National Trust car park at the base of the hill path, but it’s advised to bring a torch for the walk to the top of this ancient hillfort.
Win Green, Cranborne Chase
Win Green is a prominent high landmark in the Cranborne Chase with far-reaching views.
It is a Dark Sky Discovery Site - an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. There’s overnight parking too.
Dinton Park
Dinton Park is also officially recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site in the Cranbourne Chase Dark Sky Reserve – and offers glorious views over its rolling parkland on a clear night.
Recommended reading:
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Hackpen Hill, Swindon
Hackpen Hill is a great rural spot along the Ridgeway National Trail and is the site of one of eight hillside White Horses in Wiltshire.
Avebury, near Marlborough
Avebury Stone Circle is a great place for stargazing because of its large open space and prehistoric significance. There is a National Trust car park there but be aware that it shuts at 6pm.
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