The aurora's haunting green glow might make several appearances in the Lower Mainland heading up to the spookiest night of the year.
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes a stretch of crisp, cloud-free days and the chance to view the northern lights on three nights.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center says there is an "increasing probability" of G1 (minor) geomagnetic storms approaching the end of October. Since stormy space weather sets the stage for a more vibrant local display, the possibility of seeing the lights might increase around Halloween on Oct. 31 or Nov. 1.
On Friday, Oct. 27, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) calls for "high activity," with auroral displays visible "overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Juneau, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, and Sept-Iles, and visible low on the horizon from Seattle, Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, and Halifax."
Earlier this week, the UAF was calling for a potential display on Friday night, but it was only calling for "active" displays possible as far down as Vancouver. Now, the aurora's reach may extend down to Seattle, meaning we have an even better chance of seeing the display.
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.
There is also a chance to view the lights on Sunday, Oct. 29, with the UAF calling for active displays possible overhead from Juneau down to Vancouver. The aurora's reach likely won't extend as far as it could on Friday, but it may still be possible to view the lights low on the horizon locally.
Sometime around Halloween on Oct. 31 or Nov. 1, the northern lights are expected to dance in local skies again. For now, the UAF expects there will be similar activity to the display on Sunday. However, if NOAA's prediction materializes, there could be a more potent viewing opportunity.
Where to see the northern lights in Vancouver
Since city lights can obscure heavenly displays, you'll want to travel outside of the downtown area and preferably to places with higher elevations. There are some areas just outside of Metro Vancouver that are well-known for their viewing probability, such as Porteau Cove.
Of course, when you do spot the aurora, it likely won't appear green or any other colour. Instead, you'll see an 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.
According to V.I.A.'s Downtown Centre Vancouver Weatherhood station, temperatures are expected to be slightly less chilly than previously expected on Friday, Oct. 27, with a double-digit daily high of 11 C and overnight lows hitting 4 C. However, the skies will be clear, affording the ideal canvas for a potential aurora borealis viewing opportunity.
After this, the forecast includes some more chilly nights with the possibility for some clouds to roll in heading out of the weekend.
