We hope you’re feeling well-rested! This week, night owls are encouraged to stay awake, look up, and be patient, because some Canadians will have a front-row seat to what might be a pretty dazzling northern lights display.
What are the lights?
A feast for the eyes, the northern lights are unlike anything else on Earth, but what are they?
According to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the bucket list item is a “spectacular, colourful display of light commonly seen in the night sky in the northern hemisphere” that occurs 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 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.”
So, who will see the lights?
It’s not every day that everyone from coast to coast will get to see the lights in all their glory.
Where you are and how many clouds cover the sky will impact your ability to see them on any given evening.
Live in Alberta and have your fingers crossed? In hues of green and pink, the aurora borealis is expected to dance across North America’s sky, and Edmonton and Calgary will be among those who could see it overhead.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), those in more central parts of the country should keep their eyes peeled for the effects of a G2 Storm issued for June 25 into the early morning hours of June 26.
“Active aurora activity forecasted,” writes the UAF.
“If skies are clear, active auroral displays may be visible overhead from locations such as Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit, Canada; to Juneau, Alaska, and Edmonton, Winnipeg and Sept-Iles, Canada; and may be visible low on the horizon from Vancouver, Canada; Great Falls, Pierre, Madison, Lansing, Portland (Maine), U.S.A.; and Ottawa and St. John’s, Canada.”
Tonight’s forecast
This evening, Albertans can expect a mixed bag of thunderstorms, clouds and clear sky.
At the time of publication, Calgary is forecast to see thunderstorms just before midnight, but can expect it to clear up right after midnight.
Edmonton might have a more difficult time seeing the lights, as it will be partly cloudy right through the evening, but it may still be worth stepping outside.
To maximize your chances, consider a location outside the city, such as a designated Dark Sky Preserve.
“Look all around you, not only north: auroras may appear anywhere in the sky,” the Canadian Space Agency explains.
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 some good company.
As always, nothing is guaranteed, but even if it’s a bust and you don’t catch them this time around, you’ll have friends or family with you, and a sweet treat if you’re prepared.
Good luck and enjoy yourselves, Alberta. You never know. Tonight could be the night you finally see the northern lights!
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