The Northern Lights are set to come to Helensburgh tonight as areas across Scotland experience the unusual wonder once again.

This comes as the Northern Lights were viewable across much of the country at the end of March after a major solar storm in outer space.

The Met Office says onlookers could be treated to the rare spectacle this week as solar winds hit Earth's charged atmosphere.

With the Northern Lights likely to hit Scotland, here is everything you need to know.

What causes the Northern Lights as they come to Argyll and Bute?

The Northern Lights phenomenon is caused when there is heightened solar activity by the sun. This usually comes in the form of solar winds.

When these winds collide with the Earth's charged atmosphere, the aurora effect is produced, creating spectacular dancing lights in our night skies.

This occurred last month when a powerful solar storm took place following solar winds.

When are the Northern Lights coming to Scotland this week?

The Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre said the Northern Lights would come to Scotland tonight (April 20) and on Friday, April 21.

The Met Office said: "There is a growing chance of seeing the northern lights over the coming few nights, especially Thursday night.

"Aurora may be visible where skies remain clear across Scotland, as well as potentially as far south as Northern Ireland, north Wales, northern and central England." 

Helensburgh Advertiser: (Canva) The Northern Lights are best viewed from areas with low light pollution(Canva) The Northern Lights are best viewed from areas with low light pollution (Image: Canva)

Tips for seeing the Northern Lights in Helensburgh as Met Office issues guidance

The Met Office says the Northern Lights are best viewed in areas of low light pollution such as places away from major towns and human activity.

Here are some tips from the Met Office for seeing the Northern Lights as they come to Argyll and Bute:

  • You need a clear night with no cloud cover
  • Find a dark location with no light pollution
  • Look toward the northern horizon
  • Be cautious that geomagnetic activity can cause disturbances to satellite navigation (GNSS/GPS etc)

What is the Met Office Weather forecast for Helensburgh tonight?

The Met Office predicts that Helensburgh will have clear skies throughout Thursday and Friday with a low chance of rain.

The temperatures could reach highs of 15C but this could drop below 9C by nightfall.

Wind speeds will remain below 20 mph, though the Met Office has stated that coastal areas could be chillier.

The Northern Lights are expected to peak in Argyll and Bute on Thursday, April 20 and Friday, April 21.