Airdrie gets lit: The northern lights put on a show once again for locals
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After the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued a geomagnetic storm watch for October 10-11, Airdrie residents turned their eyes to the darkened sky over Airdrie, and it was another night of
After the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued a geomagnetic storm watch for October 10-11, Airdrie residents turned their eyes to the darkened sky over Airdrie, and it was another night of spectacular views as the northern lights danced. (Photo provided by Monique Crook)
After the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued a geomagnetic storm watch for October 10-11, Airdrie residents turned their eyes to the darkened sky over Airdrie, and it was another night of spectacular views as the northern lights danced.
Local Amberly Wrubelski captured this stunning image of the aurora. (Photo provided by Amberly Wrubelski)
Social media was flooded with thousands of awe-inspiring images taken by locals.
Our very own news reporter Connor May was on his way home when he captured this image. (Photo provided by Connor May)And news reporter Anna Ferensowicz's parents who are in neighbouring British Columbia sent this photo. (Photo provided by Anna Ferensowicz)
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.
Our news director and morning show host's daughter captured this vivid image of the nothern lights. (Photo provided by Claire Spencer)
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.
Airdrie resident Carol Cruz snapped this photo of the aurora right near her house. (Photo provided by Carol Cruz)All we can say is - Wow! Airdrie resident Kevin Love featured this photo of the northern lights. (Photo provided by Kevin Love)Local Courtney Farrow send this photo of the brilliant colours of the aurora (Photo provided by Courtney Farrow)
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.
Carrie Broome Lepine captured these stunning colours. (Photo provided by Carrie Broome Lepine)
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.
Trina Evans sent this incredible photo that is hallmark Alberta. (Photo provided by Trina Evans) Jeremy Winterton snapped an incredible photo of the northern lights that shimmied across the sky. (Photo provided by Jeremy Winterton)Cory Beck took this photo which leaves us speechless. (Photo provided by Cory Beck)
During periods of high solar activity, auroras can extend further south into Canada and the United States.
Kerri Chauvin Sacerich was able to capture this incredible northern lights overhead. (Photo provided by Kerri Chauvin Sacerich)Meghan Grimwood was able to see the northern lights right in her neighbourhood. (Photo provided by Meghan Grimwood)
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, are a significant factor in aurora visibility. When interacting with Earth's magnetosphere, these events can significantly enhance auroras.
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