You might want to look up into the night sky this week as the Northern Lights could be visible in Toronto. Here’s what to know.
Stay vigilant on September 13th because our luck is about to change – for Toronto at least. Per the University of Alaska Fairbanks, auroral activity will be high on that date.
Looking for viewing locations? Check out these Dark Sky Preserves near Toronto.
“Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis,” states the site.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued a storm watch for that day and states that “G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels are likely on 13 Sep (UTC day) due to CME influences from an eruption that occurred early on 10 Sep.”
What are the best times to watch for auroras?
According to the University of Alaska, the best time to watch for aurora is three or four hours around midnight. Though they will occur throughout the night, they stand out around 9 PM to 3 AM.
How intense will they be?
Based on the Kp number system that measures the aurora strength – 0 being calm to 9 being a major geomagnetic storm with strong auroras visible. September 13th stands at a 6.
Where in the city can I see them?
You’ll have to head out of the downtown core, possibly more north, if you want to get a better chance of viewing them.
Due to light pollution, it’ll be much more difficult to see them if you are in Trinity Bellwoods, for example.
Weather forecast
Per Environment Canada, we’re in luck! Night skies from Thursday and into the weekend are expected to stay clear as temperatures drop to low 15°C.
There you have it. Will you be keeping an eye out for the northern lights?
Take some pics while you’re at it!
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Karen Doradea
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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