According to their official website, the term “aurora” refers to the luminous glow generated when electrons from space descend along Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere. This collision occurs in a circular or oval pattern, with the center located around the Earth’s magnetic pole. The resulting interaction produces light, in the same way that electrons passing through gas in a neon encounter different gases like neon, leading to the production of different colored light bulbs.

Northern Lights in Canada

The visibility of the Northern Lights or Northern Lights across Canada is influenced by the intensity of a geomagnetic storm. During a minor storm, the lights can be seen in areas such as northern Atlantic Canada, northern Quebec, northeastern Ontario, western Ontario, the Prairies and the interior of British Columbia. However, during a stronger storm, the Northern Lights can be seen across Canada except southern Nova Scotia and southwestern Ontario.

Here is a list of Canadian provinces where the Northern Lights can be observed during a geomagnetic storm:

Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia (excluding southern Nova Scotia)
Prince Edward Island
New Brunswick
Quebec (excluding southwestern Quebec)
Ontario (excluding southwestern Ontario)
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
British Columbia

Northern Lights in the United States?

According to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, high auroral activity is expected on Thursday, July 13, 2023. This increased activity suggests that vibrant and dynamic light shows will be observable in parts of Canada and Canada. . UNITED STATES. Here is the list of all the American states where you can observe the Northern Lights:

Alaska
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Michigan
Maine
Maryland
new York
New Hampshire
Washington
Vermont
Idaho
Massachusetts
Wyoming
Indiana

Where else can you see the Northern Lights?

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute predicted a significant increase in auroral activity. Weather conditions permitting, you can expect to witness vibrant and dynamic auroras overhead in places such as:

Inuvik
Yellow knife
Ranking
Iqaluit
Vancouver
Helene
Minneapolis
Milwaukee
City of the Bay
Toronto
Montpellier
Charlottetown
Salem
Wooded
Cheyenne
Lincoln
Indianapolis
Annapolis

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

To increase your chances of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, it is recommended to view them between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, as indicated by the Space Weather Prediction Center. For optimal viewing, it is advisable to move away from bright city lights.

The intensity of the Northern Lights depends on the level of geomagnetic activity. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) continually monitors this activity and provides its own forecasts throughout the day.

Normally, the Northern Lights are mainly seen in high latitude regions like Alaska and Canada. However, during a geomagnetic storm, auroras can extend to significantly lower latitudes, allowing their visibility in regions that do not typically experience such phenomena.

How to best observe the Northern Lights?

To maximize your chances of observing the Northern Lights, it is recommended to move away from urban areas to minimize light pollution. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for up to 30 minutes and direct your gaze toward the northern horizon.

Here are some tips to improve your Northern Lights viewing experience:

Check the forecast: Use websites and apps dedicated to northern lights forecasts to predict optimal viewing times.
Look for clear skies: The Northern Lights are most visible at night, with minimal cloud cover and no moonlight.
Find a dark place: Avoid areas with excessive artificial lighting to maximize visibility of the Northern Lights.
Be patient: Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are not always visible, even when conditions are favorable.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of witnessing the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights.

FAQ:

Q1: What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, commonly known as the Northern Lights, are a natural atmospheric phenomenon characterized by captivating reflections of light in the sky. These manifestations are mainly observed in high latitude regions, such as around the Arctic and Antarctica. Auroras are produced due to disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by the solar wind. Significant disturbances occur when solar wind speed increases, often originating from coronal holes and coronal mass ejections.

Q2: Can you watch the Northern Lights in the United States?
On April 25, 2023, a geomagnetic storm occurred, resulting in the visibility of the Northern Lights, commonly known as the Northern Lights, in 30 US states. The phenomenon has been observed in areas as far south as Iowa, North Dakota and Kansas.

This geomagnetic storm was triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun. A CME refers to a large cloud of solar material expelled into space. When a CME interacts with Earth’s atmosphere, it can cause a geomagnetic storm.