Northern Lights Expected to be Visible Near Vancouver

High likelihood of aurora north of Vancouver, moderate likelihood near Canada-US border

May 10, 2024

There is a high likelihood of seeing the aurora borealis north of Vancouver and a moderate likelihood of seeing it near the Canada-US border tonight and tomorrow night, according to a prediction from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The prediction shows a viewline that represents the areas where the aurora is most likely to be visible. The viewline extends from Alaska to Maine, and includes Vancouver and the Canada-US border.

The aurora borealis is a natural light display that occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field. The particles are drawn to the magnetic poles, and when they collide with atoms in the atmosphere, they create light. The color of the aurora depends on the type of atom that is hit by the particles.

The aurora borealis is most commonly seen in the winter months, when the nights are longer and the sky is darker. However, it can also be seen in the summer months, especially during periods of high solar activity.