A spectacular celestial show is in store for Canadians tonight. A significant disturbance in Earth's magnetic field is expected to make the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, visible across much of the country and potentially into the northern United States on Monday night.
Powerful Solar Activity Drives Rare Event
The forecast from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center indicates the potential for widespread auroral displays. Shawn Dahl, a service coordinator at the center, confirmed the event is linked to intense geomagnetic and solar radiation storms. He noted that the intensity of this particular storm hasn't been observed in over twenty years.
This follows similar solar activity in November, which painted the skies with vibrant colours as far south as Kansas, Colorado, and Texas in the U.S., and across parts of Europe including Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Potential Impacts Beyond the Light Show
While the aurora offers a breathtaking visual spectacle, the geomagnetic storms that create them can have other effects. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, such storms can interfere with critical infrastructure. Potential impacts include:
- Disruptions to satellite operations
- Interference with GPS communications
- Effects on other technological systems
Dahl stated that the current storm is not anticipated to weaken significantly until sometime on Tuesday. He also addressed safety concerns, clarifying that while solar radiation storms can affect objects in space and certain communications, astronauts aboard the International Space Station are not currently at risk.
Where and When to Look
Forecasters suggest the aurora could be seen across Canada and throughout the northern tier of U.S. states. There is also a possibility the lights may be visible even further south, depending on the storm's strength. For the best chance to see the display, find a location away from city lights with a clear view of the northern horizon after dark.
