Mother Nature could provide its own fireworks for New Year's Eve tonight as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has forecasted a strong possibility for aurora borealis over much of the country.
The Dec. 31 geomagnetic activity forecast is considered a five on the OVIATION mode’s scale, which runs from one to nine.
Alberta’s skies came alive in 2024, with dazzling aurora borealis displays captivating night owls and stargazers alike.
From vibrant greens and pinks to rare red and yellow hues, these celestial events, fueled by increased solar activity, offered unforgettable moments. For many, it was a year to look up and marvel at nature’s artistry.
Roland Dechesne, with the Calgary Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, called 2024 an exceptional year for auroras.
"The most famous ones were in May on two successive nights, May 10–11 and May 11–12, and another on October 10–11. These were top-10-ever-in-your-lifetime kind of shows."
Other nights brought subtler but equally impressive displays. October 7–8, for instance, featured precursor substorms leading into the larger October 10–11 event, thrilling dedicated aurora chasers who ventured out in the early hours. Even quieter nights, such as December 2, offered surprise shows that delighted local photographers.
Auroras are created when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field, an occurrence closely tied to solar activity.
"This year, we’ve been seeing storms derived from large sunspots," Dechesne explained. "The May event, for example, was tied to solar flares—rapid, intense bursts of energy on the sun’s surface. Even though the particles travel at high speeds, reaching Earth takes two or three days."
According to NASA, Solar Cycle 25 peaked in October, a phase expected to continue next summer. This cycle began in late 2019 and exceeded earlier predictions, with sunspot numbers consistently at the higher end of forecasts.
"Interestingly, as the cycle progresses, the sunspot groups move closer to the sun’s equator," Dechesne said. "This effectively ‘aims’ any mass ejections more directly toward Earth, keeping us in the so-called ‘strike zone’ for auroras even as sunspot numbers begin to taper off."
The STEVE phenomenon (strong thermal emission velocity enhancement), first documented in Alberta in 2016, remains a key area of research. It illustrates how citizen scientists contribute to global understanding.
New technology, such as smartphone-based ionospheric measurements, has enhanced scientists’ ability to monitor solar storm activity.
"From detailed photos to GPS signal deviations, the public plays a key role in expanding our understanding of auroras," Dechesne said.
With the popularity of aurora-chasing, safety and etiquette have become important considerations.
"Dress for the weather, have the right vehicle, and tell someone where you’re going," Dechesne advised. "Respect private property, and don’t stop on highways. Aurora chasing is exciting, but it needs to be done safely."
Overcrowding and safety concerns have been observed in places like Elk Island Park near Edmonton, where increased traffic has led to wildlife fatalities. Dechesne emphasized the need to plan to avoid similar issues in southern Alberta.
For those hoping to catch an aurora in 2025, Dechesne recommends heading outside of urban areas, where light pollution is minimal.
"Early in the evening, mild auroras often hug the north-northeast horizon," he said. "Even on stronger nights, getting away from city lights will enhance the brilliance and nuance of the display."
No special equipment is needed—just a smartphone for photos, clear skies, and patience.
As 2024 draws to a close, the auroras have left an indelible mark on southern Alberta, reminding residents of the beauty and mystery of the night sky.
With Solar Cycle 25 continuing its peak phase, 2025 promises to bring even more opportunities to witness the magic of the northern lights.
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