Locals might be able to see a dazzling northern lights display this week.
If Environment Canada's Metro Vancouver weather forecast stays its course, skies are expected to clear starting Wednesday, June 21 night.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center says there is a 60 per cent chance of R1-R2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storms between Wednesday and Friday.
According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), the auroral activity is expected to be 'active' on Monday with displays possible visible overhead from "Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Juneau, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Sept-Iles, and visible low on the horizon from Vancouver, Great Falls, Pierre, Madison, Lansing, Ottawa, Portland and St. Johns."
The university's online aurora monitor map shows what regions the aurora's green glow will likely reach, as well as other areas where there is less of a possibility. Additionally, there is a brief description below the map of the aurora activity on that particular day. You can switch to other days to see the forecast, too.
The northern lights may also be viewable on Thursday, as the university calls for the chance of "active" displays overhead in the same places, including areas of the Lower Mainland.
Light pollution in large cities makes the aurora borealis difficult to observe, but not impossible, given the right circumstances. But your best bet for viewing that hypnotic green glow is up north or outside of the city.
Of course, when you do spot the northern lights, they likely won't appear green or any other colour. Instead, you'll see the arcing, milky manifestation moving in the sky. In order to capture that green glow, you'll need to use a camera with a longer exposure.
Find out more northern lights information and viewing tips with our comprehensive guide.
