Rare aurora forecast: Bright northern lights may be visible across parts of Canada

The Northern Lights, aurora borealis, make an appearance over pumpjacks as they draw out oil and gas from well heads near Cremona, Alta., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. Canada has the third largest oil reserves in the world and is the world's fourth largest oil producer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

There’s a good chance you’ll likely see the night sky illuminated in waves of green, purple and pink in the coming days.

A powerful burst of solar activity is expected to bring widespread aurora borealis displays across Canada this week, with forecasters suggesting the northern lights could be visible beyond their usual northern range.

According to the NASA-supported models and forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, a coronal mass ejection (CME) - a massive cloud of charged particles ejected from the sun - is on track to reach Earth late Wednesday into early Thursday.

The incoming solar storm is expected to trigger geomagnetic disturbances strong enough to spark vivid auroras across much of the country.

Forecasts indicate geomagnetic storm conditions could begin at G1 (minor) levels late Wednesday evening and intensify to G2 (moderate) levels overnight into Thursday morning, increasing the likelihood of bright and expansive aurora displays.

Where can you see the auroras?

The strongest displays are expected in central and western Canada.

For communities in western and southern Manitoba, southwestern Saskatchewan, southern Alberta, and central regions of B.C., clear skies will give them a better chance at viewing the auroras.

Moving eastward into northwestern Ontario, eastern New Brunswick, P.E.I and the western half of mainland Nova Scotia, skies are expected to be clear that morning.

Space weather models, including experimental aurora view line projections, suggest large portions - and potentially all - of Canada could catch a glimpse of the lights if conditions align.

Timing, viewing conditions

The most favourable viewing window, according to forecasts, is expected between late evening and early morning hours, particularly from around 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. when geomagnetic activity is forecast to peak.

Following that G2 moderate levels are forecast to begin 2 a.m. through 8 a.m.

Experts recommend heading to a dark, rural locations away from city lights and looking toward the northern horizon for the best chance at seeing the auroras.

Equinox effect

Adding to the excitement is the timing. The incoming solar storm coincides with the approaching spring equinox - a period known to intensify aurora activity.

Scientists explain that during the equinox, Earth’s magnetic field aligns more effectively with the sun’s, creating what’s often referred to as “equinox cracks.”

These temporary openings allow more solar particles to penetrate Earth’s atmosphere, producing brighter and more colourful auroras.