After a stunning display of the northern lights over Airdrie’s night sky, residents may have another opportunity to witness the aurora borealis.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for October 10-11, classifying the event as a G4, or "severe."
“A fast coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun on the evening of October 8 and is expected to reach Earth on October 10. The CME is estimated to travel at speeds of 1200 to 1300 km/s, potentially arriving by the morning or midday of October 10 (EDT). This event may cause severe auroras during its passage,” the watch stated.
However, NOAA cautions that the CME’s specific characteristics will be known only when it is approximately 1 million miles from Earth when the DSCOVR and ACE satellites can measure its speed and magnetic intensity.
According to NAV Canada, while the Earth's magnetic field usually shields us from solar activity, geomagnetic storms can enhance the northern lights as charged particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Auroras occur when solar wind—composed of electrons and protons—collides with gases in the upper atmosphere. Earth's magnetic field redirects these particles, creating bright flashes of light, similar to the glow of a neon lamp. This interaction produces the mesmerizing “dancing” effect of the auroras.
Visible almost every night from August to May, auroras are particularly prominent in northern Canada due to the unique connection between space and Earth’s magnetic field. The magnetic field lines create two ovals of auroras around the North and South Poles, making them more frequent around the equinoxes and more accessible during the darker winter months. During periods of high solar activity, auroras can extend further south into Canada and the United States.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, are a significant factor in aurora visibility. These events can significantly enhance auroras when interacting with Earth's magnetosphere.
For Airdrie residents looking to catch this celestial spectacle, local spots with minimal light pollution, such as parks or open fields, can offer the best viewing experience.
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