A ‘severe’ geomagnetic storm may dazzle Vancouver skies with the Northern Lights this week

Heads up, stargazers! For another couple of days in October, the Northern Lights may be visible in Vancouver. And this time, it’s clear skies ahead. Fingers crossed it stays that way!

If you happened to miss last week’s astronomical event, there’s an even greater chance for you to catch all the action in the skies starting Thursday, October 10th!

When to see the Northern Lights

According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, auroral activity is extremely high for October 10th and even into the 11th and 12th.

“High(+++) aurora activity forecasted. If skies are clear, highly active auroral displays may be visible overhead from locations such as Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit, Canada, to Carson City, Oklahoma City, Little Rock and Raleigh, U.S.A.; and may be visible low on the horizon from Southern California, Phoenix, Austin, and Montgomery, U.S.A.,” shares the site.

The fact that Vancouver isn’t on the outskirts of forecasted auroral activity is huge!

On Thursday, October 10th, the Kp index will be at its highest of 8 from now until 8 pm, though it will remain high (at a Kp of 7) until 5 am on Friday.

How strong will the Northern Lights be?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the greatest expected three-hour Kp for October 10th to 12th is 8.33 (G4), which is considered a severe storm.

The official storm watch issued by the NOAA explains that auroral activity is so high due to a “fast coronal mass ejection (CME)” that erupted from the sun on the evening of Tuesday, October 8th.

“There is potential to reach G4 (Severe) upon arrival of this CME, and throughout its passage,” says the NOAA. “We won’t know the characteristics of the CME until it arrives 1 million miles from Earth and its speed and magnetic intensity are measured by the DSCOVR and ACE satellites,” they add.

All that to say – it’s worth heading outside this evening and seeing what dazzles the skies!

Weather forecast & viewing

It’s clear skies ahead for the next two days, according to Environment Canada, and we’re absolutely giddy over it.

While the forecast now mentions “a mix of sun and cloud” and potentially fog patches that roll in at night, we’re still hopeful that the skies are clear enough for a spectacular show.

So all that’s left to do is head to a low-light area or your nearest stargazing spot this evening.

Some great options around the city include Stanley Park, Locarno Beach, Spanish Banks, and Burnaby Mountain Park.

So there you have it, stargazers! Get ready for what sounds like a spectacular show.

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