The chilly October evenings may offer quite the stunning aurora for the next few nights for Airdronians.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), two alerts have been issued. Earlier today, the first alert stated that 'Active Region 3842 produces another (R3—Strong) solar flare, an X9.0.'
The other alert, also issued today, notes that 'SWPC Forecasters have issued G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches for October 04-06.'
"... Due to a pair of coronal mass ejections that are anticipated to arrive over the next three days."
According to the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) explanation, when The Sun emits electrons and protons into space, this is called a solar wind. The Earth's magnetic field forms an invisible shield that redirects the solar wind around our planet.
"As Earth's magnetic field protects us from the solar wind, the magnetic field lines are dragged and stretched. They snap back like an elastic band, launching charged particles toward Earth's surface along the magnetic field lines. Auroras occur when these charged particles launched along Earth's magnetic field collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere."
The collisions produce 'tiny flashes that fill the sky with colourful light.'
"This light works like a neon lamp or an old cathode ray tube television set. As billions of flashes occur in sequence, the auroras appear to move or "dance" in the sky."
The CSA also recommends that people who want to see the Northern Lights choose a location free of light pollution.
"The bright city lights that light up the sky make low-intensity auroras invisible."
Other tips include checking the aurora forecast to find out whether the northern lights will be visible in the sky near you and checking local weather forecasts.
"Clouds, precipitation and the full Moon make it difficult to see the aurora. Look around you, not only north: auroras may appear anywhere in the sky."
Airdrie's weather forecast predicts a few clouds this evening, increasing cloudiness after midnight.
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