Southern Ontario and parts of the northern United States could be treated to another spectacular display of the aurora borealis tonight, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts moderate geomagnetic storm activity on September 30, which is expected to push the northern lights further south than usual and make them visible well beyond the polar regions.
On Monday evening, residents across Ontario reported sightings of the northern lights in Georgina, Port Perry, Pickering, Wasaga Beach, and other locations, with images and videos widely shared in the Ontario Aurora Chasers community. Current forecasts suggest conditions are favourable for another viewing opportunity this evening, weather permitting.
The phenomenon is being driven by a coronal mass ejection, a burst of solar material and magnetic fields from the sun. When such eruptions reach Earth, they can cause geomagnetic storms that energize the atmosphere and produce the shimmering auroral displays. While the northern lights offer a striking natural spectacle, NOAA has cautioned that geomagnetic activity can also have side effects. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms, and there is potential for power fluctuations if electrical grids are operating at or near peak capacity. Satellite systems may also encounter orientation irregularities, and low Earth-orbit satellites could be subject to increased drag.
Experts note that the risk of significant power disruption depends on system demand at the time of the storm, with blackouts possible in extreme cases. Nonetheless, the focus for many will remain on the skies tonight. The best viewing times are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., especially in dark areas away from city lights and light pollution. Fall and spring equinoxes are historically favourable for aurora activity due to solar wind interactions with Earth’s magnetosphere.
Viewers are advised that the colours may not always appear vivid to the naked eye but can often be captured clearly using smartphone cameras. NOAA notes that the aurora does not need to be directly overhead to be visible and can sometimes be observed from as far as 1,000 kilometres away when activity is strong.
Residents across southern Canada are encouraged to look to the skies late tonight for what could be one of nature’s most stunning displays.