Another day, another display! This week, night owls are encouraged to keep their eyes open and up for the Aurora Borealis, which could be visible above parts of Alberta and from coast to coast.

According to the space weather forecast, northern light-seekers should prepare to be dazzled on Thursday, October 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2024.

Northern Lights in Alberta

Is the Aurora on your bucket list?

As reported by the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a pretty good chance those in Calgary, Edmonton and the surrounding areas could see them.

The NOAA has issued G1, G2, and G3 storms (respectively) over the next three days, which are considered moderate to active and will make a visit to your nearest dark sky preserve worth it.

“High aurora activity forecasted,” wrote the UAF.

“If skies are clear, highly active auroral displays may be visible overhead from locations such as Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit, Canada, to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto and Montpelier, U.S.A., and Charlottetown, Canada; and may be visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis, U.S.A.”

Our advice? Dress for chilly weather, bring a snack, and get comfortable.

“Generally, the aurora appears a few hours after sunset, when the sky is clear and tends to become more intense around midnight,” explains the Canadian Space Agency.

Unfortunately, light pollution will always be an issue for anyone in a big city, so we’d recommend heading away from the hustle and bustle to double your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

The aurora forecast is looking good and the weather is cooperating, so take a chance—and don’t forget to catch the upcoming Orionid Meteor shower.

You could be in for a treat!

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Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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