on Monday night(June 2), offering a rare opportunity for millions to witness the mesmerizing
aurora borealis.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (
NOAA) has forecasted that the northern lights will be visible directly overhead across nearly all of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba,
Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, including cities like Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Yellowknife, and Whitehorse. Large parts of Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada may also catch a glimpse of the lights overhead or on the northern horizon.
The celestial display is expected to peak overnight between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. EDT. However, viewing conditions will depend on clear and dark skies, away from city lights. In areas near the southern edge of the aurora's visibility, such as parts of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and southwestern Ontario, an unobstructed view of the northern horizon will be essential.
This heightened aurora activity is due to a coronal mass ejection (CME) that occurred on May 31, originating from the highly active sunspot region AR4100.
The CME reached Earth on June 1, leading to a G4-class geomagnetic storm, one of the more severe classifications. Such storms can cause disruptions in satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids, but they also produce spectacular auroras, with the northern lights potentially visible at lower latitudes than usual.
While the northern lights are typically confined to regions like Alaska and Northern Canada, stronger solar activity in recent years has extended visibility farther south. In 2024, the lights were visible as far south as Texas, a rare occurrence. Although the current forecast does not confirm if Texas is included this year, past events raise the possibility that the state could again witness the aurora.
Places away from city lights are ideal
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder, it's advisable to find a location away from city lights with a clear view of the northern horizon. Even in areas where the lights could be visible directly overhead, avoiding light pollution and having clear conditions will provide the best viewing experience.
The northern lights will also be visible on Tuesday night(June 3), but with a more limited range. As always, the best viewing conditions depend on clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution.
