As the sunspot that recently caused the aurora phenomenon returns toward Earth, there is a growing possibility that aurora will appear again in some parts of Canada. A sunspot that caused several solar flares earlier this month and the largest solar explosion in nearly 20 years is back toward Earth, producing another powerful flare this week.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rates geomagnetic storms on a five-level scale and predicts the storm will peak at a moderate G2 level this Friday. This is weaker than the serious G4-level storm that occurred in early May.
According to NOAA’s aurora forecast for the night of the 31st (Friday), the southern border where the aurora can be seen is expected to pass through the Toronto area and Moncton, New Brunswick. Forecasts indicate that the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights along the route from Vancouver to Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, Ontario is low, but the northern regions of each province and territory are likely to see them.
The Canadian Space Meteorological Agency also issued a major geomagnetic storm warning for the Aurora Zone, which includes most of the territory and the northern part of the province.
Aurora fluctuates depending on solar activity, so it’s important to check the latest forecast. Meteorological experts selected dark skies and clear weather as the optimal conditions for observing aurora. Therefore, people who want to see the Aurora are advised to avoid city lights and move to a dark place.