A view from outer space… Can you spot the Northern Lights? (and the oil rigs!)

Everyone has seen the majesty of the Northern Lights, but few have seen it from space.

This incredible satellite image taken by the Met Office last night displays the phenomenon, known as the aurora borealis, from the view of the organisation’s satellite as it zoomed through Europe’s atmosphere.

The meteorological event, which takes place due to solar winds interacting with the earth’s upper atmosphere, manifested itself as a huge white streak across Iceland.

And those in Scotland might be able to see the spectacular light display from a more grounded view this evening, as the Met Office has predicted that in areas with clear skies the Northern Lights could be spotted across the country.