STEVE and the Aurora.
Source: space.com
As it stands now, where exactly these aurora’s will be able to be seen is still uncertain, but the U.S National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued at G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch. This follows observed solar activity that started on October 6th.
According to NOAA, October 6th was the day our sun released a coronal mass ejection, which is a burst of solar material, and magnetic fields, and is expected to reach Earth. Both G1, and G2 storms are likely on October 9th. This can result in more vivid auroras, as charged particles travelling along Earths magnetic field collide with gasses in the upper atmosphere.
NOAA’s forecast is dated for October 9th Coordinated Universal Time, which means the storms could begin around 6pm Thursday for Alberta. This news comes just two years after another set of geomagnetic storms led to a northern lights display over Alberta in October of 2024.
Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts cloudy skies, which could complicate any aurora viewing. For those hoping to catch the display, your best bet is to find a dark location, away from lights, with a clear sky view. Camera’s with long exposures and tripods can be very beneficial in capturing the magic of the aurora.