Northern lights could light up skies across Canada amid geomagnetic storm

A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to light up skies across much of Canada this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights in areas farther south than usual.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast G-3 level geomagnetic storms for Thursday and Friday night following several solar eruptions earlier this week.

“On June 3, multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) erupted from the sun, and are projected to reach the Earth sometime in the next 24 hours,” Taylor Cameron, a space weather duty forecaster for the Canadian Hazards Information Service, told Global News.

According to Cameron, the solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, creating colourful auroras while also potentially disrupting technologies including GPS and radio communications.

“When a [coronal mass ejection] interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, it can trigger a geomagnetic storm,” Cameron said.

Officials said a G-3 storm means auroras could be visible across much of Canada, including regions where sightings are less common.

Cameron said the best viewing conditions are away from city lights and under clear skies.

“Get as far away from city lights as possible, find clear skies, and to look north,” he said.

He added that while the aurora may be difficult to spot with the naked eye, it should appear more clearly through a phone camera.

The storm watch remains in effect overnight as experts monitor the incoming solar activity.