The northern lights or aurora borealis may be visible in the Netherlands on Friday night following two major solar flares, experts say.

The solar flares unleash charged particles which generate a geomagnetic storm if they hit the earth. Normally the phenomenon – which creates curtains of vivid colour – is only visible in lands close to the arctic.

The northern lights were last visible in the Netherlands in 2005. Experts say the best views will be in rural areas away from too much light pollution. Around midnight is the best time.

Tonight’s weather forecast is for a clear night with some cloud and possible mist banks.