Perfect weather conditions to view the northern lights in Calgary tonight

Calgarians looking up to the sky Friday night will likely be met with a stunning view of the northern lights.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a severe geomagnetic storm warning for Friday, and expects it to continue throughout the weekend.

At least seven earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are in transit, which CityNews meteorologist Kevin Stanfield says means a solar eruption is on the way.

Stanfield says the strength of this event means the northern lights will be viewable as far south as Florida.


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The NOAA explains three severe geomagnetic storms have happened so far this solar cycle (since 2019), with the most recent being a brief March 23 event.

The devices used to measure storms haven’t found one this strong since January 2005, according to the NOAA.

It will be prime viewing weather, according to Stanfield, who says Calgary is in for 20 to 30 per cent cloud coverage and an evening low of 12.

GPS, voltage control of power grids, spacecraft, satellite navigation, and high frequency communication could be affected, according to the NOAA. Operators of critical infrastructure have been notified.

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