Calgary 
Depending on your location in Canada, you could be in for a celestial treat of mesmerizing Northern Light displays tonight and possibly over the weekend.
Space Weather Canada has issued a major geomagnetic storm watch effective until October 12, 12 p.m. due to coronal mass ejection.
The agency on the website states, “An ejection of the Sun’s material (coronal mass ejection) was observed on 09 OCT 2024. The ejected material is Earth directed and is expected to affect Earth on 10-12 OCT 2024, resulting in disturbed geomagnetic conditions.”
NOAA has classified the storm a G4, a severe Geomagnetic Storm. with a geomagnetic K-index of 7 or greater expected.
According to the NOAA, the aurora may become visible in many of the northern states of the United States. This means that all of Canada may get to spot the lights. Those at higher altitudes will see it overhead, while those closer to the United States may spot it nearer to the northern horizon.
The aurora borealis illuminate the northern skies with vibrant displays which form when the Sun emits charged particles, which Earth’s magnetic field, acting as a shield, redirects. The field lines, stretched and snapped back by the solar wind, propel these particles towards Earth. Colliding with atmospheric gases, they create luminous bursts akin to neon lights, resulting in the mesmerizing dance of colours across the sky.
When & How to See:
When:
Space Weather Canada‘s current major geomagnetic storm watch is in effect until October 12, 2024, 12 p.m.
Where & How to See:
Required Conditions: Clear Sky away from city lights — Check clear sky (cloud) conditions in your area – here.
To enjoy a clear view of Nothern Lights, you should choose a location free of light pollution. The relentless glow from city lights often masks the subtle luminance of low-intensity auroras, rendering them invisible against the urban backdrop.
The best way to see it is to get away from city lights, preferably to Dark Sky Preserves. If not, visit open sky areas (so that you have a 360-degree view of the sky) away from city lights like provincial/regional parks (where you can typically see a million stars on a clear starry night) around midnight and look up — Northeast at the sky.
If you live in the countryside, there is a good possibility that you can see a meteor shower from your yard.
To find reasonably dark areas near your location, check the Darkskyfinder map. Search for a park (or a safe place with no streetlights away from roads/traffic) within the areas coloured dark (mustard), yellow, green, blue, grey or black (transparent).
Before travelling, please check the cloud cover.
