Achi news desk-
Several days of strong solar flares means Mother Nature this weekend has the potential to put on a sky show.
Chris Ratzlaff, of Alberta Aurora Chasers, the aurora could be visible across the province, and possibly within city limits, starting Friday and lasting until Sunday.
Ratzlaff says midnight is usually the best time to see them although in Alberta, “an event like this could be visible in the northern sky shortly after dusk”
“The best advice is to get out of the city. Get away from the city lights. You’re going to see the most vivid colors by doing that,” says Ratzlaff. He notes that in rural areas you’ll see shades of red and purple and within city limits you’re more likely to see muted greens.
When asked about the best place for Calgarians to watch the aurora, Razlaff recommends the Ghost Lake parking lot. It reminds people not to park on the sides of highways and to stay off private property.
According to the Weather Network website, the best time to see the Aurora will be between Friday night at 9 pm and Saturday at 3 am
Communication concerns
This weekend’s event has prompted the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue its first geomagnetic storm watch since 2005.
In a press release, NOAA calls it an unusual event that could cause disruption adding, “geomagnetic storms can affect infrastructure in near-earth orbit and on the earth’s surface… potentially disrupting communications, the grid electric power, navigation, radio and satellite operations. “
NOAA says the area where the recent solar flares occurred is 16 times the diameter of the earth. The sunspot is so big you might be able to see it with your solar eclipse glasses.
