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The forecast is in, and you might be able to spot the Northern Lights in Edmonton this week!
Canada’s gotten its fair share of light shows this summer. Whether you were out of town before or the weather just wasn’t right, now could be your chance to finally see some auroral action!
According to the map posted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Edmonton will be in the sweet spot of Northern Lights activity on Monday, September 16th and Tuesday, September 17th.
According to the NOAA, “Aurora can often be observed somewhere on Earth just after sunset or just before sunrise. The aurora is not visible during daylight hours.”
And the University of Alaska Fairbanks says that the best odds are between 9 PM and 3 AM.
As per the institute’s website, “Auroral activity will be high(++). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit, to Portland OR, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Springfield, and New York City, and visible low on the horizon as far south as Carson City, Oklahoma City, and Raleigh.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also confirmed that “Periods of G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storms are likely” on Monday, September 16th.
The best place to enjoy the Northern Lights is as far away from the city lights as possible.
If you have the time, Parks Canada lists Elk Island National Park as a great spot for star gazing, being part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and the Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve.
You can also make the trip to Bon Accord, a dark-sky community just north of Edmonton.
According to Environment Canada’s weather forecast, we’re in for clear skies this week, with a few clouds this evening. That means the odds of glimpsing the lights are pretty good!
The overnight lows on Monday and Tuesday will be 6°C and 9°C respectively, so bring some blankets and a thermos of your favourite warm drink to keep cozy while you wait.
You might be in for a long night, but it’ll be worth it!
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