According to the NOAA weather prediction center (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center) in the United States and many other trusted sources, there is a good chance that the Northern Lights will be viewable tonight May 31 and tomorrow night June 1, 2024 across the northern hemisphere. This is due to G2 solar storms that are predicted to occur, driving the northern lights further south than usual.
What is the Aurora?
Accoridng to NOAA. “Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centered on the magnetic pole of Earth. The collisions produce light much like how electrons flowing through gas in a neon light collide with neon and other gasses to produce different colored light bulbs.”
Of course you will need to be in an area away from light pollution and the NOAA is saying that there are much greater chances to view the Aurora Borealis, the further north you go. Here is their map showing the likelihood of watching the light show.
“The two maps show the aurora and viewline tonight and tomorrow night. The brightness and location of the aurora is typically shown as a green oval centered on Earth’s magnetic pole. The green ovals turn red when the aurora is forecasted to be more intense.,” reads the description from NOAA weather prediction center.
When and where to see the Northern Lights in southern Ontario
Aurora is best observed somewhere from just after sunset or just before sunrise, optimally between 10 pm and 2 am and is not visible during daylight hours. Of course it will difficult to view in urban areas near Toronto but if you can find a nice dark area, perhaps a large park like Bronte Park or Forks of the Credit, away from city lights you may enjoy a spectacular show of red, green or purple lights!
Large parks near Toronto but away from light pollution
Bronte Provincial Park, Oakville
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, Caledon
Darlington Provincial Park, Bowmanville
Holland Landing, East Gwillimbury
Check their websites to make sure you can visit the parks at night.
by Terry Lankstead
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