Skywatchers will likely have a green glow in the sky to gaze at this week.
Due to high activity up in the upper atmosphere, aurora borealis are expected to light up the skies in the middle of the week across North America.
According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks there's a chance the northern lights will appear above the North Shore mountains on Wednesday, July 12.
However, the big night is forecast to be Thursday, July 13.
"Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver," states the university, which puts out regular aurora forecasts. The forecast notes the glow might be visible as far south as Boise, Idaho.
The strength of geomagnetic activity in the atmosphere is measured on a scale of one to 10; this week Wednesday is expected to hit a five and Thursday a six. The normal is three.
While some cloud is predicted for Wednesday, both Wednesday night and Thursday night should be clear. At the same time the moon won't be as bright, which will aid in seeing the phenomena.
Hindering the view will be the late sunset, early sunrise, and city lights.
The best place to view the northern lights is somewhere away from the light pollution of the city and with a clear view of the sky to the north. Due to the strength of the solar storm expected on Thursday, the activity will likely spread to areas more overhead in the Metro Vancouver area.
