Powerful solar storm to light up Canada skies as Rare aurora borealis display expected nationwide, everything you need to know about the location, timing and best viewing conditions

A powerful solar storm is expected to trigger widespread aurora borealis displays across Canada this week, with forecasters warning the northern lights could be visible well beyond their typical range as a coronal mass ejection approaches Earth.

Forecasters say a powerful surge in solar activity this week could push the aurora borealis beyond its usual northern range, bringing widespread displays of the northern lights across Canada.

The timing adds to the spectacle, as the incoming solar storm coincides with the approaching spring equinox, a period known to intensify aurora activity.


A coronal mass ejection (CME), a massive cloud of charged particles released from the sun, is expected to reach Earth between late Wednesday and early Thursday(March 19), according to models supported by NASA and forecasts from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

According to CTV News website, geomagnetic disturbances triggered by the incoming solar storm are expected to be strong enough to produce vivid auroras across much of the country.

Geomagnetic storm conditions are expected to begin at G1 (minor) levels late Wednesday, strengthening to G2 (moderate) overnight into Thursday, increasing the likelihood of bright, widespread auroras.

Where to see the auroras?

The strongest aurora displays are expected across central and western Canada, with clear skies also favouring viewing in parts of Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Clear skies are expected to improve aurora viewing across western and southern Manitoba, southwestern Saskatchewan, southern Alberta and central British Columbia.

Further east, clear skies are forecast across northwestern Ontario, eastern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the western half of mainland Nova Scotia.

Almost all of Canada is expected to witness a glimpse of the lights.

Timing and viewing conditions

According to CTV News website, the best viewing window is expected between late evening and early morning, particularly from 11 pm to 2 am when activity is expected to be on the peak. G2 (moderate) storm conditions are then expected to persist from 2 am through 8 am.

For the best chance of viewing the auroras, experts recommend heading to dark, rural areas away from city lights and looking toward the northern horizon.