A magnetic storm, caused by a series of solar flares, could cause intense northern lights – and visible as far as southern Quebec – between October 4 and 6.
These explosions, which were captured from the sunspot AR3842, have been occurring one after the other since October 1st. A powerful eruption, with an intensity of X9.0, was observed on Thursday. Solar flares are classified with the letters B, C, M and X, which is the most powerful category.
It could be the largest eruption in the last 25 years. It could have an impact on certain terrestrial activities.
In addition, according to a report issued by the Space Weather Prediction Center, a coronal mass ejection (CME), a plasma bubble produced by the Sun, is expected to hit the earth on October 4. The latter was caused by another solar flare with an intensity of 7.1X which occurred on Tuesday.
EMC interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, which can cause problems with electronic equipment such as computers, cell phones or television receivers. The next one to hit Earth will have effects until October 6.
The Aurora Forecast site rates northern lights activity at 9 on a scale of 10, with conditions favorable for major aurora activity” for October 5.
Where and when to see them?
For the night of October 4 to 5, the geomagnetic storm should only be moderate. Thus, according to MétéoMédia, it is necessary to go further north to be able to observe the northern lights, particularly the regions of Abitibi and Saguenay.
However, this storm is expected to be more severe during the night of October 5 to 6. We could thus see the Northern Lights as far as the south of the province.
Hoping the weather will be good!
A lucky year
Remember that 2024 has everything to be a good year for hunting the Northern Lights due to the very high activity of the Sun. Our star is experiencing one of its “solar maximums”, a phenomenon which occurs approximately every 11 years.
COMFORTABLE chairs FOR OBSERVING THE STARRY SKY
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