Some Albertans could see the Northern lights and a meteor shower this weekend

If you’re out and about this week – look up! According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, parts of Alberta could see the Northern Lights this weekend, as long as there isn’t significant cloud coverage.

“Auroral activity will be high. Weather permitting,” they wrote ahead of October 19th and 20th, which also happens to be the peak of the Orionid meteor Shower.

“Highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Juneau, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay and Sept-Iles, and visible low on the horizon from Seattle, Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, and Halifax.”

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While Calgary may be left in the dark, those north of the city could be in for a starry night display – especially if they head out of town.

A phenomenon that occurs when gas from our neighbouring star collides with nitrogen in Earth’s atmosphere, the Northern Lights are often visible from destinations like the Yukon, Norway and Greenland.

Sometimes, however (when the sun is more active) the bright neon streaks are pushed down and out giving other provinces a better seat for the show.

Of course, nothing is promised and visibility could depend on the weather in your area so we wouldn’t recommend betting your life on anything. It’s also worth noting that tonight and tomorrow will be a Waxing Crescent moon, which could impact its vibrancy.

Our advice? Don’t get your hopes up too high, pack some snacks and no matter where you live, head as far away from light pollution as you can. Who knows, you could be among the lucky few who get to see the Northern Lights in Alberta!

Good luck, remember to tag us in your photos and enjoy!