Strong Solar Activity Expected to Light Up Quebec’s Skies with Northern Lights

A particularly active space weather period in recent days is poised to offer a dazzling display of northern lights in the Quebec region this weekend. The best chance for viewing this spectacle is on Friday evening starting at 9 p.m. as the solar winds from a very strong eruption reach Earth.

Philippe Moussette, the president of the astronomy club VÉGA in Cap-Rouge, described it as an X-class ejection, the most powerful type, enhancing the likelihood of witnessing the auroras. The eruption was directly aimed towards Earth, increasing the chances substantially.

Moussette highlighted the potential for seeing auroral crowns, the most magnificent aspect of northern lights. It’s the ingress of material happening above our heads, creating a remarkable vision. Full-sky auroras are possible under such circumstances, providing a truly exceptional experience.

Following the major outburst, several smaller ones occurred that could also trigger northern lights during the weekend. Moussette mentioned the possibility of auroras appearing over two, three, or even four nights depending on the solar activity.

For those eager to observe the phenomenon, Moussette advised moving away from the city, preferably positioning oneself to face north with the major light pollution sources behind. While it’s theoretically possible to catch a glimpse of an aurora in the city center, the chances are slimmer.

Depending on the intensity, witnessing a full-sky aurora in the city is feasible only if it’s exceptionally strong. Additionally, one can currently observe solar activity signs without specialized equipment. If you still have your eclipse glasses, the sunspot is visible due to its immense size according to the astronomy club president.

It’s crucial to bear in mind that solar storms can lead to telecommunication and power grid disruptions. A notably large eruption had plunged Quebec into darkness for several hours back in 1989.