Stargazers could be in for a treat tonight if the skies above Metro Vancouver light up with the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis.
Auroras are natural displays of light in the sky that can be seen with the naked eye.
The AuroraMAX subdivision of the Canadian Space Agency says auroras occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, producing tiny flashes that fill the sky with colourful light.
Two coronal mass ejections from the Sun took place this week that had Earth in their crosshairs: one that arrived Thursday night and second, expected tonight.
READ MORE: Why do we get the northern lights?
The agency says observers in Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Alberta and B.C. will be able to see the auroras between September 11 and 12. Some eastern regions of the country are also expected to catch the colourful sight.
The skies over Metro Vancouver are expected to be clear tonight, according to Environment Canada.
You don’t need special equipment to see an aurora.
Here are some tips on how to maximize your aurora viewing experience from the Canadian Space Agency:
- Consult the weather forecast before leaving. Cloud cover obscures the aurora.
- Choose a night without moonlight. The bright glare of the Moon illuminates the night sky and makes fainter auroras invisible.
- Dress warmly and choose a location with dark skies.
Follow @AuroraMAX for the latest updates.
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