Weather experts say Canadians across multiple provinces may be treated to a rare spectacle tonight, with forecasts indicating that the northern lights could be visible across most of the country, including areas far south of their usual range.
Space weather monitoring agencies have detected a surge of geomagnetic activity following a solar event earlier this week. This disturbance in the Earth’s magnetic field increases the probability of auroras being visible not only in the Arctic but also across the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and even parts of Atlantic Canada. In some scenarios, experts say the glowing sky could be visible to the naked eye in major population centres if skies remain clear.
Normally, Canadians need to head to northern regions like Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut to reliably see auroras with full brilliance. But with this geomagnetic storm, sky-watchers in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg and Calgary may get a glimpse if they move away from city lights and look toward the northern horizon in late evening hours.
Experts are advising people to check local sky conditions because cloud cover remains the biggest obstacle. “If the sky is clear where you are, tonight could be one of those memorable aurora nights,” a meteorologist said.
Canadians have shown growing interest in aurora events in recent years, often taking road trips at night to get the best view. Tonight’s potential display may encourage thousands of amateur photographers and families to step outside and look up. Social media platforms are already filled with tips on how to take aurora photos with smartphone night modes, and many astronomy groups have announced they will livestream the sky in real time.
The intensity of the light show will depend on how the solar winds interact with the magnetic field over the next few hours, but experts say the conditions are in place for a significant event — and the best viewing window will likely start after sunset and continue well past midnight.