The northern lights are a bucket-list item, but not everyone will be lucky enough to see them in the sky above their hometown or city. If, however, you live in Canada, you might be in for a treat this week.
Whether you’re a photographer or just love space, look up, because a G3 Geomagnetic Storm warning has been issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
What are the northern lights?
Described as a “spectacular, colourful display of light commonly seen in the night sky in the northern hemisphere,” the northern lights occur when charged particles, released from the Sun’s solar winds, collide with the gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
“Those collisions produce tiny flashes that fill the sky with colourful light”, explains the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
“This light works the same way as a neon lamp or an old cathode ray tube television set. As billions of flashes occur in sequence, the auroras appear to move or ‘dance’ in the sky.”
Where and when can you see them?
Want to check them out?
According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), the lights may be visible on the east coast, as well as the west, on June 2 into the early morning hours of June 3.
“High aurora activity forecasted,” the university writes.
“If skies are clear, highly active auroral displays may be visible overhead from locations such as Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit, Canada, to Juneau, Alaska, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay and Sept-Iles, Canada; and may be visible low on the horizon from Seattle, Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland and Boston, U.S.A., and Halifax, Canada.”
Those who want to see the sky painted pink and green are encouraged to head outdoors, but should also take light pollution into consideration.
The CSA recommends choosing a location outside of the city, perhaps in a designated Dark Sky Preserve.
“Look all around you, not only north: auroras may appear anywhere in the sky,” the CSA writes.
The best time to see the aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, and you should also bring snacks, chairs, blankets, and a friend or loved one to make the occasion extra special.
Please remember that nothing is guaranteed, but even if it’s a bust and you don’t catch them this time around, you’ll have good company and a sweet treat if you’re prepared.
It’s certainly not every day that most people across Canada get to see the northern lights, so don’t miss out and enjoy.
It could be a beautiful evening.
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