Depending on your location in Canada, you could be in for a celestial treat of mesmerizing Northern Light displays tonight.
Space Weather Canada has issued a major geomagnetic storm watch effective until September 17, 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 14 SEP 2024. The ejected material is Earth directed and is expected to affect Earth on 16-17 SEP 2024, resulting in disturbed geomagnetic conditions.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch. This alert follows the detection of a coronal mass ejection (CME), a significant eruption of solar material, which is expected to hit Earth and increase geomagnetic activity during the said period.
NOAA has classified the storm a G3, a strong Geomagnetic Storm.
While residents across Canada might be able to spot the lights, chances are higher for people living at latitudes polewards of latitude 49. This includes those in major cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.
Residents south of the 49th parallel, like those in Newfoundland, Maritime provinces, southern Ontario and Quebec locations south of the St Lawrence River, may see it low on 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:
Credit: Aurora Viewline for Tonight /NOAA
When:
Space Weather Canada‘s current major geomagnetic storm watch is in effect until September 17, 12 p.m., EDT
Where & How to See:
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.
Tonight, the moon is 97.9% full, with the full moon (and a partial lunar eclipse) falling on September 17th. This implies that there is a high chance that moonlight may wash out the lights.
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.