'Major aurora activity' predicted

Several forecasts predict that between Thursday, November 30 and, Friday, December 1, there is a possibility of a dazzling celestial light show, with the Northern Lights being visible across Alberta.

According to Aurora forecasts, currently, the November 30 aurora activity level is predicted at a 6.

"Active aurora possible with a good chance of isolated minor auroral substorms and favourable conditions for major aurora activity," the website stated.

However, the forecast strengthens for Friday, December 1, with the aurora activity level at 7, meaning that, 'active aurora possible with a good chance of isolated minor auroral substorms and favourable conditions for major aurora activity."

The Space Weather Prediction Center stated that a G3 (categorized as strong) geomagnetic storm is now likely on Friday, December 1. 

However, even with such a high probability of the Northern Lights appearing over Alberta, local weather forecasts are calling for overcast skies.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the night forecast for Airdrie and other surrounding areas is calling for partly cloudy skies near midnight, while Friday may also see mainly cloudy skies during the day; but there is hope is Friday evening appears to be clear. 

If the cloud cover dissipates, there will likely be plenty of residents heading out to try and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Some tips from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to see the emerald and golden lights that shine and shimmer across the skies include:  

• Choosing a free-of-light pollution location. The bright city lights that light up the sky make low-intensity auroras invisible. 

• Check a local aurora forecast to find out whether or not the northern lights will be visible in the sky near you. 

• Visiting the Space Weather Canada website for Canada's forecast of geomagnetic activity, which is responsible for the aurora borealis. 

• Check the local weather forecast before leaving. Clouds, precipitation and the full Moon can block the aurora or make it harder to see.  

• Look all around you, not only north: auroras may appear anywhere in the sky. 

However, it is also important to remember that there is preferred etiquette to observe when Northern Lights hunting. Various social media groups have offered a few tips on what to do and what not to do. According to previous posts by the Facebook group Alberta Aurora Chasers, reminders include:

• If you're in an area with a lot of people, there will be cars with headlights on; don't let it upset you.

• If you're parking in a place with a lot of people, try to turn your headlights off if possible

• Drive carefully, park your car fully off the road

• Stay off of private property

The CSA explained that auroras occur when charged particles (electrons and protons) collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere. The colliding of particles produced tiny flashes of colourful light, and when billions of these flashes occur, you see a shimmying or "dancing" effect of the auroras. 

Apart from the Northern Lights, there is also another celestial show to watch out for. In less than two weeks, the biggest meteor shower of 2023 is going to peak.

The Geminid meteor shower, which started over a week ago will be peaking on December 13-14. The peak means that there may be an average of 75 meteors per hour streaking across the sky.

While the show will begin around 9 p.m., the absolute peak of the shower will occur early December 14 at around 2 a.m. 

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