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How Canadians Can Catch the Northern Lights as Solar Maximum Approaches

How Canadians Can Catch the Northern Lights as Solar Maximum Approaches

On Thursday night, Canadians were treated to a breathtaking display of the aurora borealis. Cities across the country, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, saw the skies light up with stunning colors. As the phenomenon left many mesmerized, the big question now is, will the northern lights return? The answer is yes, with more chances coming, especially as we approach the solar maximum in 2025.

Why Did the Northern Lights Appear on Thursday?

The spectacular show was caused by a geomagnetic storm, triggered by the sun’s heightened activity. The storm, rated G4 on the intensity scale, was strong enough to light up skies far and wide. While the storm is expected to linger into Friday, it won’t be as intense as Thursday’s display.

Meteorologists credit this event to a fast-moving solar storm resulting from charged particles hitting Earth’s atmosphere. When these particles interact with oxygen molecules, they produce red and green lights, and when they hit nitrogen molecules, purples and blues emerge.

How Canadians Can Catch the Northern Lights as Solar Maximum Approaches

The Best Times and Places to See the Northern Lights

For those who missed Thursday’s aurora, you may still catch a glimpse on Friday night. However, the storm is expected to be less intense (G1 rating), meaning darker areas far from city lights will provide the best viewing opportunities.

If you’re in Toronto, head out after midnight to locations with low light pollution such as Milton, Scarborough Bluffs, or Tommy Thompson Park. Across Canada, the general rule is the further north you go, the better your chances.

The Role of the Solar Maximum in Future Displays

Looking ahead, the solar maximum, expected to peak in July 2025, means we can expect more frequent displays of the northern lights in the coming years. Brian Lada, AccuWeather’s astronomy expert, explains that the sun is in an active phase, which will increase the likelihood of more solar storms and therefore more opportunities to see the aurora borealis.

These storms are caused by Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) – large expulsions of plasma from the sun. As we move closer to the solar maximum, CMEs will become more frequent, offering many more chances to experience the northern lights through 2026.

How Technology Helps Capture the Northern Lights

Light pollution often prevents major cities from seeing the northern lights. However, Thursday’s storm was powerful enough for residents in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to witness the event, even through the light pollution.

Recent advances in smartphone camera technology have made it easier for people to capture auroras even when they aren’t visible to the naked eye. Using long exposure settings, modern cameras can photograph the faint glows of the aurora that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Keeping Track of Aurora Forecasts

If you’re eager to stay updated on future northern lights forecasts, follow reliable sources like The Weather Network for real-time updates. You can also use apps such as My Aurora Forecast & Alerts to track geomagnetic storms and plan your viewing. Additionally, following hashtags like #northernlights on social media can provide live insights on where the auroras are visible.

As the solar maximum approaches, Canadians can expect more opportunities to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary shows — the aurora borealis.

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