MM News

There is a chance to witness the stunning northern lights in some parts of Canada as the country rings in the new year.

According to a report by The Weather Network, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3-level geomagnetic storm watch for Dec. 31. A coronal mass ejection (CME) is expected to reach Earth in the early hours, with the effects possibly lingering into the evening.

This means the northern lights may be visible in certain parts of Canada on New Year’s Eve.

What are geomagnetic storms?

Coronal mass ejections are also responsible for geomagnetic storms. These huge clouds of charged particles travel through the universe but, when they come to the Earth, they interact with the magnetic field of the planet, forming a geomagnetic storm.

Geomagnetic storms can be classified from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). A G3 storm is expected on New Year’s Eve and is not that unusual, although fairly rare. These storms usually do not create much damage but can rarely disrupt power grids and satellite communications.

Which parts of Canada will have visibility?

There are two main factors that could affect the visibility of the aurora borealis. First, a dark environment is required to see the lights, so major cities are unlikely to offer clear views. Second, cloud cover is expected in many areas, which could block the view.

The best chances to see the event will be overnight on Monday, with viewers in parts of coastal British Columbia and the southern Interior having a chance to spot the aurora. Additionally, those in southwestern Ontario and the southwestern Maritimes, especially in the early morning hours, may also catch a glimpse.

On Tuesday night, sky watchers in the B.C. Interior and parts of the Maritimes may also see the aurora.