Northern lights set to shine in parts of Canada this weekend. Here’s where

Canadians could be in for a visual treat this weekend as two solar flares heading toward Earth may produce vibrant northern lights displays.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center issued a strong geomagnetic storm watch for October 4 to 6, following the eruption of two coronal mass ejections from the sun.

This event adds to a year filled with frequent aurora borealis sightings, thanks to the sun reaching the peak of its 11-year magnetic cycle. Solar storms have been more frequent, resulting in more dazzling light shows.

"The peak is already surpassing predictions and hasn’t hit its maximum yet," said David Knudsen, head of the University of Calgary’s physics and astronomy department, speaking to Global News.

Earlier this week, scientists observed one of the strongest solar flares in this cycle, classified as an X7. It was surpassed just two days later by an even larger X9 flare, the most powerful since 2017.

Solar flares are categorized from B (too small to affect Earth) to X, the strongest, which can cause global radio blackouts and prolonged radiation storms, according to the Stanford Solar Center.

When these solar flares interact with Earth, they trigger geomagnetic storms. These storms are rated from G1 to G5, with G1 causing minor power grid fluctuations, and G5 potentially leading to widespread blackouts. The upcoming storm has been rated as a G3.

Despite the potential for power disruptions, skywatchers are excited about the northern lights.

"The next two nights hold a good chance," aurora chaser Chris Ratzlaff told Global News. He predicted a 35% chance for Calgary to see the northern lights, particularly on Friday evening and early Saturday morning.

NOAA’s mapping shows that several parts of Canada, from the territories to Quebec and British Columbia, may experience the aurora. However, southern Ontario and the Maritimes have a lower likelihood of visibility.

Erica Grow Cei, a NOAA spokesperson, told the Associated Press there is still uncertainty regarding the storm's intensity.

"There's still a fair amount of uncertainty," she said.

This isn’t the first time Canada has had a chance to see the lights this year. In May, unusually strong solar storms created stunning auroras across the Northern Hemisphere. However, NOAA noted this weekend’s displays may be less intense due to fewer plasma ejections.