Backyard astronomers have been treated to some amazing celestial events in 2024. Earlier this year, Canadians from coast to coast captured incredible pictures of the northern lights, then we were treated to a partial solar eclipse, and now another spectacular northern lights show may be visible this week in addition to a meteor shower.
A geomagnetic storm is occurring again this week with experts grading it a level G3 on a scale from G1 (weakest) to G5 (strongest). Solar flares will be expelled from the sun followed by coronal mass ejections, which are huge explosions of charged particles that follow solar flares. Combined, these two phenomenon cause the aurora borealis.
(The northern lights near Regina. Photo by Dan Shier)
According to scientists, the northern lights show will be most visible along the Canada/US border and further south into the United States. The best part of the show is expected tonight and/or tomorrow night before the solar storm on the sun starts to calm down. Those living in the city will have to escape the lights to see the northern lights show. The further from the city the better to allow the eyes to adjust to the dark sky. The weather forecasts for tonight and tomorrow night are indicating clear conditions, which should make viewing enjoyable.
In addition to the northern lights, the Perseid meteor shower will also be happening this week. Those willing to stay up late will be in for the best show with the most meteors expected just before dawn. The Perseid meteor show will be at its best August 12th and 13th.
