Victoria skywatchers could experience a rare treat this week, as the Northern Lights are expected to shine brightly over the city and much of Vancouver Island.
A forecast from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates a high chance of aurora activity on Tuesday night and early Wednesday, with the western and northern parts of Canada likely to have the best view.
On Vancouver Island, the conditions are just right.
Environment Canada predicts clear skies overnight, meaning the colorful display could be visible directly overhead across much of BC, including the island.
NOAA expects the light show to last most of the night, reaching its peak between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. eastern time.
Most of Canada falls within tonight’s “view line,” while only southern Ontario and parts of the Atlantic provinces are unlikely to see the phenomenon.
The increased aurora activity comes from a coronal mass ejection, which is a large burst of plasma and magnetic field from the sun. Heightened solar activity earlier this week already lit up the skies across Canada on Monday night and into early Tuesday.
With clear and dark conditions, residents of Victoria and Vancouver Island may witness one of the best Northern Lights displays in years.
