Canada Braces for a Rare Northern Lights Display
The aurora borealis could soon be visible across most of Canada as a solar storm heads toward Earth. Scientists from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say a coronal mass ejection (CME) may trigger stunning aurora displays starting Friday night.
Forecast models suggest that nearly all provinces and territories could catch a glimpse, with only the far eastern shores of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland likely outside the visible range. A few remote islands in Canada’s northern territories, near Greenland, may be too far north for clear viewing.
Why This Aurora Event Is So Unusual
The expected light show comes from a CME — a massive burst of plasma and magnetic energy expelled by the sun. These events can send billions of tons of charged particles hurtling through space at speeds between 250 and 3,000 kilometres per second.
This particular CME erupted on August 5, but it takes several days for the particles to travel through space before interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. When that happens, the collision of solar particles with atmospheric gases can create breathtaking ribbons of green, pink, and purple light.
What the Forecast Shows for Friday Night
According to NOAA’s current outlook, the best viewing conditions will be in the Prairies, the B.C. Interior, northern Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador. The geomagnetic activity index is expected to peak at six out of nine, placing it in the “moderate” to “active” range for aurora sightings.
The NOAA says such watches aren’t rare, but this one stands out for its unusually wide coverage. Even areas well south of typical aurora zones may get a chance to witness the glow.
Technology Risks Are Minimal but Possible
While the storm is expected to be “mainly manageable,” NOAA notes that moderate geomagnetic activity can briefly affect technology. Power grid alarms may trigger, pipelines could see fluctuations, and GPS accuracy might dip. Prolonged or stronger conditions could cause minor transformer issues, but experts say that risk remains low.
How Long the Display Will Last
Friday’s geomagnetic storm is forecast to ease by Saturday, with activity dropping to the “minor” range and the visible aurora zone retreating to higher latitudes. The aurora index is expected to lower to five, meaning the spectacle will likely fade from much of southern Canada.
For the best chance to see the lights, head to a dark location away from city glare, and keep your eyes on the northern horizon late Friday night.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest on this week’s aurora borealis and other skywatching events.
