Powerful solar storm to light up Canada skies as Rare aurora borealis display expected nationwide, everything you need to know about the location, timing and best viewing conditions
Forecasters say a strong increase in solar activity this week could push the northern lights beyond their usual northern range and cause widespread northern lights sightings across Canada.
The timing adds to the spectacle, as the incoming solar storm coincides with the approaching spring equinox, a period known to intensify aurora activity.
A coronal mass ejection (CME), a massive cloud of charged particles released from the sun, is expected to reach Earth between late Wednesday and early Thursday (March 19), according to models supported by NASA and forecasts from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
Geomagnetic disturbances triggered by the upcoming solar storm are expected to be strong enough to produce vivid auroras across much of the country, according to the CTV News website.
Geomagnetic storm conditions are expected to begin at G1 (minor) levels late Wednesday, strengthening to G2 (moderate) overnight into Thursday, increasing the likelihood of bright, widespread aurora.
Where can we see auroras?
The strongest auroras are expected to be seen in central and western Canada; Clear skies also make viewing easier in parts of Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
Clear skies are expected to improve aurora viewing in western and southern Manitoba, southwestern Saskatchewan, southern Alberta and central British Columbia.
Further east, clear skies are expected in northwestern Ontario, eastern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the western half of mainland Nova Scotia.
Nearly all of Canada is expected to witness the lights.
Timing and viewing conditions
According to the CTV News website, the best viewing window is expected to be between late evening and early morning, particularly between 11pm and 2am, when activity is expected to be at its peak. G2 (moderate) storm conditions are expected to continue from 02:00 to 08:00 in the morning.
For the best chance of seeing auroras, experts recommend heading to dark, rural areas, away from city lights, and looking toward the northern horizon.
