Image: Northern Lights / File / Robert Neumann / Dreamstime

By Fraser Valley Today Staff / Canadian Press

Space Storm

Chilliwack and Fraser Valley expected to get a view of northern lights Friday

May 10, 2024 | 10:49 AM

CHILLIWACK — The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued its first geomagnetic storm watch in nearly 20 years. An unusually strong solar storm headed toward Earth could disrupt power and communications starting tonight while producing spectacular auroras.

NOAA has already has alerted operators of power plants and spacecraft in orbit to take precautions.

While the situation may lead to problems for some, the storm could produce spectacular displays of northern lights. The show is expected to be visible through the Fraser Valley where Environment Canada has forecast clear conditions for the evening.

In Chilliwack, the sun will set at 8:38 p.m. If the storm hits Earth as predicted, residents could begin to see their first glimpses of the light show as dusk turns to darkness. The auroras are expected to continue for hours.

The spectacle is attributed to the convergence of five distinct coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which are gathering into one blast as they near Earth. A CME is an expulsion of plasma and magnetic field escaping from the Sun’s outer atmosphere.

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As the charged particles from a CME strike Earth’s upper atmosphere, particularly around the magnetic poles, they interact with gases such as oxygen and hydrogen, giving rise to the mesmerizing array of colours that characterize the phenomenon known as the northern lights.

Although the lights may be visible from all parts of the city, Fraser Valley residents in search of the best view should seek out rural locations away from the light pollution emitted from urban areas.