Solar storms are anticipated to create vibrant northern lights visible in much of Canada and northern U.S. regions for a second consecutive night. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that the spectacle will be observable across a wide area including B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Labrador, and the northern parts of Ontario and Quebec. Shawn Dahl, a service coordinator at the Space Weather Prediction Center in Colorado, expects the dazzling display to last through the night, reaching its peak intensity between 7 and 10 p.m. ET. Dahl advises individuals planning to witness the event to stay informed with local weather forecasts.
Recent days have seen the sun emit several strong solar flares, followed by coronal mass ejections (CME) – rapid particle explosions traveling along the solar wind. Two Earth-directed CMEs arrived on Tuesday night, resulting in sightings of the aurora borealis as far south as New Mexico and Texas.
Despite the captivating display, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) suggests that the geomagnetic storm could persist into Wednesday night, potentially extending into Thursday, although with diminished intensity.
The phenomenon of northern lights occurs when large clouds of protons and electrons propelled from the sun become trapped in Earth’s magnetic field, colliding with the atmosphere. These clouds, generated by solar surface explosions or flares, release their energy upon reaching the atmosphere, producing the shimmering, multicolored light show we observe.
To witness the vivid colors, it is recommended to find a location with a clear view of the sky, ideally away from major urban areas to minimize light pollution. With the sun currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, such light displays have become more frequent and widespread.
Northern and southern lights are traditionally visible near the poles, where solar-charged particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere. Recent observations show the lights extending further into Canada, the U.S., and Europe due to significant solar activity changes resulting from the sun’s pole reversal every 11 years.
The heightened solar activity is projected to continue throughout the year, with its peak timing remaining uncertain until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.
Solar storms not only offer visual delights but also pose potential disruptions on Earth. The impact of fast-moving particles and plasma interacting with Earth’s magnetic field can lead to temporary power grid disturbances. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control communication and satellite operations in orbit, affecting radio and GPS signals.
In rare instances, severe solar storms have caused significant disruptions, such as the 1859 event that triggered auroras in Hawaii and ignited telegraph lines. In 1989, a solar storm resulted in a power outage in parts of Quebec. While experts cannot predict solar storms far in advance, they issue warnings to relevant parties in anticipation of such events.
For those interested in viewing auroras, forecasts can be accessed on the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or through aurora forecasting apps. It is advisable to choose a quiet, dark location away from city lights for optimal viewing. Checking the weather forecast is essential, as cloud cover may obstruct the spectacle. Smartphone cameras can capture subtle aurora details that are not easily visible to the naked eye.
