A Stunning Display: Northern Lights Captured Across Ontario Thursday Night

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BY: Brennen Perry

PUBLISHED: Friday, March 24, 2023

 

The sky lit up!! London, ON at approx. 11:00pm March 23, 2023

Posted by Chelle Catherine on Thursday, March 23, 2023

Northern Lights over London, Ontario on Thursday (Mar. 23) Night

Ontario residents were in for a treat Thursday night as the breathtaking northern lights danced across the sky, creating a mesmerizing display of colors. In this article, we'll delve into the science behind the northern lights, explain how they form in a way that's easily understood, and share tips on how you can catch a glimpse of this natural wonder yourself.

The Science Behind the Northern Lights

At their core, the northern lights, also known as auroras, are a result of interactions between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles emitted by the sun. These particles, carried by solar winds, are drawn towards the poles by the Earth's magnetic field. When they collide with molecules in the Earth's atmosphere, they create the vibrant colors we see in the sky.

 

Northern Lights over Northwestern Ontario on Thursday (Mar. 23) Night

How to See the Northern Lights

While the northern lights can be elusive, there are a few factors that can increase your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring phenomenon:

  1. Location: The closer you are to the Earth's magnetic poles, the better your chances of seeing the auroras. In Ontario, the best spots include areas with low light pollution, such as provincial parks and rural locations.

  2. Time of Year: Although the northern lights can be seen year-round, they're more active during the spring and autumn months due to increased solar activity.

  3. Weather Conditions: Clear, dark skies are essential for optimal viewing. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your aurora hunting around cloudless nights.

  4. Aurora Forecast: Various organizations provide aurora forecasts, which can help you determine the likelihood of seeing the northern lights on a given night. These forecasts take into account solar activity and other factors that influence auroras.

Here are some popular resources for checking aurora forecasts:

  • Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) - NOAA: The SWPC, operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides real-time monitoring and forecasting of solar and geophysical events, including aurora forecasts. Their 30-minute aurora forecast can be found at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast.

  • Aurorasaurus: This citizen science project allows users to submit aurora sightings and view a real-time map of reported sightings. Aurorasaurus also provides alerts and an aurora forecast. Visit their website at http://aurorasaurus.org/.

  • SpaceWeatherLive: SpaceWeatherLive offers information on solar activity, including real-time data, alerts, and an aurora forecast. You can check out their aurora forecast at https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/auroral-activity/aurora-forecast.

  • University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute: The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides an aurora forecast for both the northern and southern hemispheres. Visit their forecast page at https://www.gi.alaska.edu/monitors/aurora-forecast.

These resources can help you stay informed about the likelihood of seeing the northern lights on a given night, increasing your chances of witnessing this incredible natural phenomenon.

 

Northern Lights over Georgian Bay on Thursday (Mar. 23) Night

The northern lights are a stunning natural phenomenon that can be witnessed in Ontario, provided the conditions are right. By understanding the science behind these colorful displays and keeping the above tips in mind, you too may have the chance to experience the magic of the auroras.

Don't forget to capture the moment and share your photos with the Instant Weather community! You can share your northern lights photos with the community by joining our Ontatio Storm Reports group:

 
Ontario Storm Reports

Be on the Alert for Possible Aurora this Halloween Weekend 2021

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Credit: Tom Kroeker

This weekend we could see auroras grace the night sky as a result of a strong X1 solar flare on October 28th.

At 2021 Oct 29 1529 UTC the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center issued a “WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G3 Predicted”. A strong G3 geomagnetic storm is possible and places as far south as Pennsylvania to Iowa to Oregon may see aurora (see here for the latest alert).

There is uncertainty in when we can expect the CME to arrive. The CME could arrive Saturday night (October 30th) but there are indications that it may arrive earlier too. You might want to take a look early Saturday morning before sunrise as well as Saturday night if the skies are clear and you are awake.

Just as with regular weather here on earth you can have all the ingredients but severe weather does not occur. We are hopeful that this time all the ingredients will come together as well as clear skies.

The level of geomagnetic activity and where you are located are important factors in determining whether or not you may be able to see aurora. The further south you are the stronger the geomagnetic activity needs to be. As well, weather and light pollution will also affect your ability to see aurora. More tips for viewing aurora can be found at the NOAA site.

Clear Dark Sky has forecasts for astronomers for cloud cover that you might find useful.

The current UTC time (which is useful for the information below):

Here are some forecasts that will help:

  • The OVATION Auroral Forecast from NOAA below shows probability of visible aurora at the current time. Be sure to reload if the image is not current. Day and night (dark) are indicated as well on the map to help you determine if the time is current. Ideally you would like to be in a yellow, orange or red area.

Aurora Oval
Current Conditions from Space Weather Canada

Below shows the past and future predicted timeline for geomagnetic activity from Space Weather Canada. Orange and red indicate stormier activity. See the map above for how the regions are defined (polar cap, auroral, subauroral).

We will update this page as new information becomes available.

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Be on the Alert for Possible Aurora Saturday Night (April 24/25 2021)

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Credit: Tom Kroeker

Credit: Tom Kroeker

The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a alert saying G1 and G2 geomagnetic storms are likely from the Cornal Mass Ejection (CME) that left the sun on April 22. Based on the sudden change in solar wind speed at April 24th at 2307 UT the CME has arrived (more details from spaceweather.com).

Places as far south as the northern states could potentially see aurora Saturday night.

The two main factors on whether or not you can see aurora on any given night are the level of geomagnetic activity and where you are located. Of course weather and light pollution will also affect your ability to see aurora. More tips for viewing aurora can be found at the NOAA site.

The current UTC time:

Here are some forecasts that will help:

  • The OVATION Auroral Forecast from NOAA below shows probability of visible aurora at the current time. Be sure to reload if the image is not current. Day and night (dark) are indicated as well on the map to help you determine if the time is current.

Aurora Oval
Current Conditions from Space Weather Canada

The Space Weather Gallery has some stunning photos and particularly these “Pinkest of all pinks (Aurora)” photos from Markus Varik in Norway. Pink auroras are rare and occur when particles reach lower levels of the Earth’s atmosphere. See spaceweather.com for further information.

We will update this page as new information becomes available.

Be on the Alert for Aurora Wednesday and Thursday

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Credit: Tom Kroeker

Credit: Tom Kroeker

UPDATE: The CME reached the earth at 01:30 UT on Dec 10 but it unfortunately did not result in the predicted geomagnetic storm. A new solar cycle has just begun which means that there will likely be many CMEs in future months and more chances to see auroras.

The current UTC time:

The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a watch for a Geomagnetic Storm Category G3. This means that places as far south as Oregon could see aurora tonight and tomorrow night. Excerpt from the alert issued on 2020 Dec 08 1506 UTC

Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Dec 09:  G1 (Minor)   Dec 10:  G3 (Strong)   Dec 11:  G2 (Moderate)
THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT
NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Power system voltage irregularities possible, false alarms may be triggered on some protection devices.
Spacecraft - Systems may experience surface charging; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites and orientation problems may occur.
Navigation - Intermittent satellite navigation (GPS) problems, including loss-of-lock and increased range error may occur.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio may be intermittent.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as Pennsylvania to Iowa to Oregon.

UPDATE: The Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the sun arrived at approximately 1:30UT. Sometimes first contact with the CME doesn’t trigger a geomagnetic storm but a strong one develops hours later.

Here is the updated forecast from NOAA. UT is Universal Time in the forecast below. 

:Product: 3-Day Forecast
:Issued: 2020 Dec 10 1230 UTC
# Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
#
A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 4 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Dec 10-Dec 12 2020 is 7 (NOAA Scale
G3).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Dec 10-Dec 12 2020

            Dec 10     Dec 11     Dec 12
00-03UT        4          5 (G1)     2     
03-06UT        3          6 (G2)     2     
06-09UT        1          4          2     
09-12UT        1          4          2     
12-15UT        3          3          2     
15-18UT        4          3          2     
18-21UT        5 (G1)     3          2     
21-00UT        7 (G3)     3          2     

Rationale: G3 (Strong) and G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storming is
possible 10 and 11 Dec respectively due to the possible still inbound
magnetic cloud from the 07 Dec CME.

The two main factors on whether or not you can see aurora on any given night are the level of geomagnetic activity and where you are located. Of course weather and light pollution will also affect your ability to see aurora. More tips for viewing aurora can be found at the NOAA site.

Here are some forecasts that will help:

  • The OVATION Auroral Forecast from NOAA below shows probability of visible aurora at the current time. Be sure to reload if the image is not current. Day and night (dark) are indicated as well on the map to help you determine if the time is current.

Aurora Oval
Current Conditions from Space Weather Canada

The Space Weather Gallery has some stunning photos and particularly these “Pinkest of all pinks (Aurora)” photos from Markus Varik in Norway. Pink auroras are rare and occur when particles reach lower levels of the Earth’s atmosphere. See spaceweather.com for further information.

We will update this page as new information becomes available.

Be on the Alert for Aurora Sunday and Monday Nights

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aurora_borealis_northern_lights_sky_night_landscape_nature_dark_colorful-1058133.jpg

The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a watch for a Geomagnetic Storm Category G2. This means that places as far south as New York could see aurora on Sunday and Monday nights. Excerpt from the alert issued on 2020 Sep 27 2045 UTC:

Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Sep 28:  G2 (Moderate)   Sep 29:  G2 (Moderate)   Sep 30:  G1 (Minor)

THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
Spacecraft - Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

UPDATE: The latest watch as of

Issue Time: 2020 Sep 29 1556 UTC

WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G1 Predicted

Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Sep 29:  G1 (Minor)   Sep 30:  G1 (Minor)   Oct 01:  None (Below G1)

THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT

Comment: Decreasing max threshold potential from G2 to G1 to be consistent with activity as the storm progresses and wanes

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.

The two main factors on whether or not you can see aurora on any given night are the level of geomagnetic activity and where you are located. Of course weather and light pollution will also affect your ability to see aurora. More tips for viewing aurora can be found at the NOAA site.

Here are some forecasts that will help:

  • The OVATION Auroral Forecast from NOAA below shows probability of visible aurora at the current time. Be sure to reload if the image is not current. Day and night (dark) are indicated as well on the map to help you determine if the time is current.

Aurora Oval
Current Conditions from Space Weather Canada

The Space Weather Gallery has some stunning photos and particularly these “Pinkest of all pinks (Aurora)” photos from Markus Varik in Norway. Pink auroras are rare and occur when particles reach lower levels of the Earth’s atmosphere. See spaceweather.com for further information.

We will update this page as new information becomes available.