Get ready for a possible Christmas Day surprise.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G1-minor geomagnetic storm watch for December 25. This means there’s a chance of seeing the Northern Lights across parts of Canada on Christmas Day.
What are Geomagnetic Storms?
Geomagnetic storms are triggered by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun. These are massive clouds of charged particles that erupt from the sun’s surface and travel through space. When a CME reaches Earth, it interacts with the planet’s magnetic field and creates a geomagnetic storm.
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Just like hurricanes and tornadoes, scientists rank geomagnetic storms at levels between one and five. On a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). A G1 storm, like the one expected on Christmas day, is usually manageable and unlikely to cause significant damage. However, it can sometimes lead to minor disruptions in power grids and satellite communications.
Which parts of Canada will have visibility?
Visibility of the aurora borealis will likely be favoured in northern and western regions of Canada, including the Prairies. Timing of the light show will vary, but the best chance of spotting them is just before sunrise. Alberta will have the least amount of cloud cover for an unobstructed chance to spot them. If you needed an excuse to start your Christmas Day traditions early – here it is!