The most powerful geomagnetic storm in the past 20 years impacted Earth on the night of May 10-11, 2024, resulting in vibrant northern lights across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
This particular storm was so severe that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared it a G4, the second highest level given to solar storms, the last of which took place in 2005, according to CTV News Toronto.
Also known as the aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere, the dancing of lights in the night sky is caused by an explosion of material from the sun. The charged particles then hit Earth’s magnetic field and interact with the atmosphere, resulting in a dazzling light show.
IN PHOTOS: Chasing northern lights in southern Ontario
IN PHOTOS: Aurora borealis lights up the night sky
Northern lights typically don’t reach latitudes as far south as southern Ontario, with Friday night and Saturday morning’s light show being a rare spectale.
Cloudy skies and light pollution can impact viewing, so the northern lights are best seen in clear skies and away from major sources of light, such as large cities.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, click the link above for some of the highlights from across southern Ontario.
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With files from CTV News Toronto’s Hannah Alberga
https://london.ctvnews.ca/northern-lights-dance-across-the-night-sky-in-southern-ont-1.6883018
