Canada
An Uncommon Phenomenon Lights up the Skies Across Southern Ontario
The Aurora Borealis Shines Brightly Enough to be Seen with the Naked Eye
On Thursday night, the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, was visible across southern Ontario, including in Waterloo region. According to the Government of Canada, auroras occur when charged particles collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, producing tiny flashes that fill the sky with colourful light. Flashes were so bright on Thursday night that they were visible across southern Ontario.
Social Media Buzzes with Spectacular Photos of Aurora Borealis
People took to social media to share their photos of the phenomenon. A photo shared on Twitter appears to show the lights above Glenridge Plaza in Waterloo just before 11 p.m. While the lights were visible in the city, those living in more rural areas were able to see vibrant colours streak across the sky. Armature photographer Kevin Gilbert shared a series of photos on Twitter showing streaks of green and red stretching across the sky above Arthur.
Increased Solar Activity May Offer Another Chance to Catch Aurora Borealis
If you missed the lights on Thursday night, you may be in luck as increased solar activity is expected to continue Friday night. A forecast form the NOAA shows geomagnetic storms are likely on March 25 and 26, with an experimental aurora viewline showing the southern extent of where the aurora might be seen stretches into southern Ontario.
Monitor the Aurora Forecast in the Northern Hemisphere
According to the NOAA, a geomagnetic storm watch is in effect until March 25. To monitor the aurora forecast in the northern hemisphere, visit the NOAA website. “Solar wind speeds are likely to be in excess of 600 km/s and continue into 25 March, resulting in isolated G1 storm levels,” the agency said.
Credit: https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/did-you-see-the-northern-lights-photos-show-lights-dancing-across-southern-ontario-1.6327501
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