The Northern Lights were spotted through Nanaimo in February, with distinct red and green hues. (submitted photo/Dr. Gregory Arkos)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

heads up

Eyes to the nighttime sky as northern lights expected to make a rare Vancouver Island appearance

Jul 13, 2023 | 1:01 PM

NANAIMO — An Aurora Borealis, at this time of year, in this part of the country, is expected to light up the sky across Vancouver Island when the sun goes down on Thursday and Friday.

Weather experts are saying the beautiful displays of northern lights will be visible this week, with Thursday night being the peak time for viewing, with the light still expected to be visible Friday night as well.

VIU astronomy professor Dr. Gregory Arkos said a coronal mass ejection in space is behind the photogenic display, which in turn can produce an impressive geomagnetic storm display.

“That material and energy travels through space and takes a couple of days although it can vary in terms of the speed and timing, which is why there is a bit of uncertainty as to when the peak of this might occur. There’s a bit of uncertainty as to whether or not we’re going to get a good show or just a glancing blow.”

With the weather forecast for much of the mid-Island expecting a clear overnight sky, Arkos said “all you can do is look” up.

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But where is the best place to look on Vancouver Island?

“You definitely want to be looking towards the north, northeast, because that’s looking toward the geomagnetic pole direction,” said Arkos. “Either Aurora happens in kind of a loop, or a ring… about the geomagnetic pole, and that’s sort of up in the northern part of Canada.”

The mid-Island has already been treated with a few rare displays of the northern lights, including a dazzling display from February and again in March.

Arkos recommended visiting the website Space Weather for more detailed information on when chances to see the Northern Lights might come.

— with files from Jon De Roo/97.3 FM The Eagle.

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