Astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat over the next two years: There will be more opportunities to observe the Northern Lights.
This phenomenon, which occurs every eleven years, is explained by the increase in solar activity until it reaches a so-called solar maximum.
During this time, the Sun experiences more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, a phenomenon that can transport particles to Earth, increasing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights throughout Quebec, Canada and even the United States.
This means that the Sun's magnetic field is completely twisted […] that there are more explosions on its surface, told CBC News Rémi Boucher, scientific coordinator of the Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve, southwest of Lac-Mégantic, in the 'Estrie region, Quebec.
However, the peak of this activity is expected in 2025. Towards the end of 2024, the celestial spectacle is likely to be even more impressive.
It will be a perfect moment, said Olivier Hernandez, astrophysicist and director of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium in Montreal.
He said people in Canada are in the best position to see the Northern Lights during this time because the North Magnetic Pole is near the Yukon.
He recommends astronomy enthusiasts move away from the light pollution in big cities to better see this phenomenon.
Mr. Boucher notes that more and more auroras are visible in the sky of Mont Mégantic. It's always exciting, he said. It's different every time.
In January, Mont-Mégantic National Park offers astronomy evenings to admire the stars from the hiking trails, but according to Mr. Boucher, hunting for the northern lights largely depends on the weather.
He says the bright bands of the northern lights are likely to be on the northern horizon and could last a few minutes or even a few hours. It's a waiting game because there are a lot of unknowns.
It's probably best not to have high expectations, says Boucher. If you want to see the stars, I think the Northern Lights are a bonus because it's really a matter of luck.
With information from Rachel Watts