Ontario has recently been treated to some truly spectacular northern light displays, delighting skywatchers across the province.
A massive geomagnetic storm created Thursday night’s show, seen on camera across the province.
Space Weather Canada has issued a major geomagnetic storm watch from Thursday, October 10 at 11 a.m. to Saturday, October 12 at noon.
On Wednesday, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are ejections of solar material, were observed. The ejected material arrived on Earth on Thursday, causing “major geomagnetic activity,” according to Space Weather Canada.
What causes the Northern Lights?
An explosion of energy on the sun’s surface causes solar particles to be propelled toward Earth, resulting in the northern lights. The lovely colours in the sky are caused by the interaction of ejected debris with the Earth’s atmosphere.
“When a solar storm comes toward us, some of the energy and small particles can travel down the magnetic field lines at the north and south poles into Earth’s atmosphere,” the space agency said. “There, the particles interact with gases in our atmosphere, creating stunning displays of light in the sky. Oxygen emits green and red light.
Why are we seeing such spectacular displays of the northern lights recently?
Rupinder Brar, program head of physics and senior teaching professor of physics and astronomy at Ontario Tech University, explains that the sun is at a more active stage of its cycle.
“The sun has active times and inactive times,” he informed me. “All of this has to do with the sun’s magnetic field. When the magnetic fields become all tangled, like they do every 11 years or so, we see a lot more activity.”
This solar activity is what brings the northern lights to life.
CMEs, which can be directed at Earth, occur during the sun’s most active periods, according to Brar. When they interact with the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field, the hues become visible in the night skies.
Jamie Worne, an aurora chaser and moderator for the renowned Facebook group Ontario Aurora Chasers, said Thursday night’s display was created by an exceptionally powerful solar storm that hit Earth directly.
“Lots of other factors are involved as well but they all lined up for us last night,” Worne told the crowd. “We are also at the peak of the solar cycle, when the sun is most active. Throw in no clouds for the majority of us, and we have a fantastic display.”
Can we expect more Northern Lights tonight?
A Friday night show is possible. Worne stated that the spectacle will not be comparable to the previous night’s display, as it is still too early to predict.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre forecasts that we may see the northern lights again tonight.
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