The Northern Lights might once again be visible in southern Ontario, thanks to high auroral activity this week.
According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, “highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis.”
So, what exactly is the aurora?
The luminous glow is found near the northern and southern hemispheres’ magnetic poles, created by collisions between electrically charged particles which stream out of the sun entering Earth’s atmosphere.
When those particles collide with molecules and atoms of gas, they result in those colourful emissions we can sometimes see.
Your best chance to see the stunning Aurora Borealis near Toronto will occur on September 13, thanks to a G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm.
Scientists measure the strength of an aurora with a Kp number system, ranging from 0 to 9. 0 is calm or very weak, and 9 represents a major geomagnetic storm with strong auroras visible.
Anything Kp 5 and above is classified as a geomagnetic storm, and September 13 ranks at a 6.
Other factors can impact our ability to see the aurora, though, like sunlight and clouds. The prime conditions for seeing it are dark and clear skies, in areas away from city light pollution.
It is also most prominent around midnight for three to four hours, typically between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Luckily for us, the forecast for the next few days looks calm and clear, so we just might be treated to the breathtaking display in skies above!