A major geomagnetic storm is expected to hit Earth over the next 24 hours, and that's good news for fans of the aurora borealis.
The northern lights are likely to be spotted above Metro Vancouver tonight, June 1, as a G4-level storm hits the atmosphere, according to the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The northern lights are caused by coronal mass ejections from the surface of the sun. One was recently observed, and it's expected to arrive today and tomorrow, June 1 and 2.
"Should G4 levels occur, aurora may become visible...as far south as Alabama to northern California," reads the NOAA website.
On the University of Alaska's aurora forecast page, it shows the early part of the storm has arrived, though the northern lights aren't visible due to daylight.
"If skies are clear, highly active auroral displays may be visible overhead from locations such as Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit, Canada, to Portland (Oregon), Cheyenne, Lincoln, Springfield, and New York City," reads the university's site.
According to the forecast tool, the northern lights will be at their strongest between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. June 1.
Currently, Metro Vancouver's skies are expected to be clear tonight.
The best place to view the northern lights in Metro Vancouver is anywhere with limited light pollution and a clear view of the sky to the north. Spotting the northern lights may be aided by the fact that the moon will be just a slim crescent tonight.
Not just magical lights
While the northern lights will be a popular aspect of the storm, NOAA warns there may be some negative effects.
"Infrastructure operators and authorities have been notified to take action to mitigate any possible impacts," reads the NOAA website.
Specifically, electrical and satellite issues are warned about, including "GPS degradation."
