Get ready! A solar storm is expected to hit the Earth's magnetic field on April 24, 2023 which could result in another amazing aurora display.
We get questions from time to time asking how the Northern Lights work and how we know their coming. While we are no experts in the matter, here's what we've learned... and yes, its a bit scientific and nerdy, but overall pretty interesting! I share a couple of FAQ at the end.
Solar storms occur when the sun's magnetic field experiences sudden changes, releasing energy and particles into space (CME's). These particles can then collide with the Earth's magnetic field, resulting in auroras, which happen when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. The colors of the aurora depend on the type of gas particles involved in the collision. The intensity and visibility of auroras depend on various factors, including the strength of the solar storm, solar winds, and your location.
While aurora forecasting can be just as unpredictable as the weather, the upcoming solar storm definitely has the potential to produce another pretty impressive display like back in March 2023.
Keep an eye on the sky on the evening of April 24, 2023 into April 25....and happy Aurora hunting!
Here is a really great resource that I use: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/aurora-tutorial
**FAQ: Will there be an aurora on [insert future date] date??
Answer: Truthfully, who knows! Forecasting aurora's is no different then forecasting the weather, except forecast ranges are much shorter (3 days max at best). You may find forecasts out there promising a display 3 weeks from now, but those are purely based on past activity on the sun's surface and the same activity is not guarenteed to happen again (because well, the sun does *what* it wants, *when* it wants!)
**FAQ: Where can I view the Aurora while staying at the Lodge?
Answer: this really depends on the intensity of the storm. First, they are not always visible by the naked eye. Sometimes you will only really a hint of them by hitting some of the area's high points or beaches or maybe even only by using your camera (like this time in Sep 2022).
Other times, the lights are perfectly visible to the naked eye right in our back yard (like in this time March 2023).
Either way, let us be your guide! We usually give our guests Northern Lights notifications via text, and we have even knocked on doors before (by request). You won't find service like that at just any ordinary place 🙂