While fireworks have become a popular way to celebrate the arrival of the new year, many Canadians could be treated to a much larger light display across the night sky
As of Monday afternoon, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center is forecasting a strong possibility for aurora borealis over much of Canada on New Year’s Eve
True to its name, the Northern Lights are expected to be less prevalent in areas of the country near the U.S. border to the south
The celestial light show is best witnessed in dark areas outside of major centres with limited to no light pollution. However, even the best laid plans for optimal viewing remain at the mercy of cloud coverage
The vast majority of the country is expecting overcast conditions on New Year’s Eve this year, save for sections of the Maritimes and B.C. So while the Northern Lights shine above, the display will likely be shrouded for those on the ground below
According to the NOAA, the Dec. 31 geomagnetic activity forecast is considered a five on the OVIATION mode’s scale where a rating of one is limited activity and nine is the maximum
A geomagnetic storm with a rating of G3, considered strong, is expected early Tuesday morning and its fallout would likely produce Aurora Borealis sightings into Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning
