Photo via Ken Phung / Shutterstock
It looks like we’re in for another round of Nothern Lights near Toronto this week. And we’re loving it! Here’s what to know.
If you missed the Northern Lights on September 13th, don’t worry! There may still a chance for you to catch all the action today and Tuesday. Per the University of Alaska Fairbanks, auroral activity will be high on September 16th and 17th.
“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,” shared the site.
Looking for viewing locations? Check out these Dark Sky Preserves near Toronto.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), states that “periods of G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storms are likely” which is greater than the storm watch issued on Friday with a G2 rating.
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.
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 7.
You won’t have luck if you’re in the downtown core! You’ll have to venture a little 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 or Christie Pitts, for example.
Once again, we’re in the clear!
Per Environment Canada, night skies on September 16th will remain clear with fog patches developing overnight. Temperatures are expected to drop to a low 16°C.
If you’re trying to test your luck on September 17th, skies are expected to be cloudy at night so your best bet will be to see them tonight.
Will you be keeping an eye out for the northern lights?
We know we will!
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