You still may see the Northern Lights this summer

Albertans have been treated to the Aurora Borealis multiple times throughout this summer, thanks to Mother Nature. 

But don’t fret if you haven’t seen the Northern Lights quite yet. There is still time!  

Some tips from the Canadian Space Agency to see the emerald and golden lights that shine and shimmer across the skies include:  

• Choosing a free-of-light pollution location. The bright city lights that light up the sky makes low-intensity auroras invisible. 

• Check a local aurora forecast to find out whether or not the northern lights will be visible in the sky near you. 

• Visiting the Space Weather Canada website for Canada's forecast of geomagnetic activity, which is responsible for the aurora borealis. 

• Check the local weather forecast before leaving. Clouds, precipitation, and the full Moon can block the aurora or make it harder to see.  

• Look all around you, not only north: auroras may appear anywhere in the sky. 

Geomagnetic storms can be caused by solar wind shockwaves or a cloud of the magnetic field that interacts with the earth.   

According to the Canadian Space Agency, "Auroras occur when charged particles (electrons and protons) collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere." 

The colliding of particles produced tiny flashes of colourful light, and when billions of these flashes occur, you see a shimmying or "dancing" effect of the auroras. 

Photo Credit CHF Photography located in Wheatland County 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@strathmorenow.com