Following a weekend northern lights display, there’s still a chance to see them tonight

Geomagnetic Storm Brings Spectacular Northern Lights Display

Over the weekend, a powerful geomagnetic storm swept across Canada and the U.S., creating stunning displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis. The colorful curtains in the sky may make another appearance on Monday night, offering a chance for skywatchers to witness this natural phenomenon once again.

Geomagnetic storms like this occur when particles from the sun are carried to Earth by fast-moving solar wind, often triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) – a large expulsion of solar particles that travel swiftly on the solar wind.

The recent CME hit Earth on Saturday, leading to auroras being visible worldwide. Although the show continued into Sunday in Canada, it gradually diminished. However, the effects of the CME interacting with our magnetic field may result in another display.

The strength of a geomagnetic storm is measured using the Kp Index, which ranges from one to nine, with higher numbers indicating a more powerful storm. On Sunday, the Kp Index reached a peak of eight but dropped to five by early Monday. Despite the decrease, there is still a possibility of seeing the northern lights, although it may not be as intense as the weekend’s display.

Forecasting the northern lights is challenging due to various conditions that need to align, such as the speed of the solar wind and the positioning of the auroral oval. The auroral oval, where solar particles interact with molecules to produce the lights, tipping south is favorable for viewing the lights. As of Monday afternoon, the auroral oval was leaning southward, increasing the chances of a visible display.

To catch a glimpse of the northern lights, look towards the north. Those in southern Canada, like southwestern Ontario, should ensure a clear view of the northern horizon. However, smoke from wildfires in Western Canada may obstruct visibility for some observers.

If the northern lights appear on Monday night, they may not be as spectacular as previous displays. Nevertheless, the potential remains for a beautiful natural light show in the night sky.