Skip to main content

Featured

Your daily horoscope: January 20, 2026

  IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY This could be and should be the year when you make that breakthrough you have been dreaming of for so long. With dynamic Mars on your side you won’t be slow to take advantage of what the universe has to offer – and that’s lots! ARIES (March 21 - April 20): If you make a special effort on the work front today you will make a big impression on employers and senior colleagues. Mars in the career area of your chart gives you that competitive edge that people in positions of power want to see. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21): If you get the chance to travel over the next few days you must take it. There is a real possibility that you could end up some place that enchants you to such a degree that you don’t want to leave. Maybe one day you’ll retire there. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21): You will be so on top of your game today that your rivals won’t stand a chance. There is also a very real possibility that you will come into money – but if you do be smart and keep it ...

article

Solar Storm Brings Northern Lights to Southern Canada and Beyond


 


A series of powerful solar storms recently graced the night skies, making the northern lights unusually visible even in regions far south. This dazzling display was caused by a geomagnetic storm, which not only illuminated Canada but also extended its colorful auroras to parts of the northern United States and Europe.

The Solar Storm Phenomenon

  • Solar storms occur due to the sun’s activity cycle, which spans approximately 11 years. During the solar maximum, more sunspots appear on the sun’s surface. These sunspots are cooler regions that appear black when observed through solar telescopes. However, they are more than mere spots—they represent an entanglement of magnetic fields that can erupt with a solar flare.

  • Often, solar flares are followed by a coronal mass ejection (CME)—a massive burst of charged particles carried along the solar wind. In this recent case, the sun produced a series of CMEs, which are now heading toward Earth. The U.S.-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for our planet, the first in nearly two decades.

A Spectacular Light Show

  • Where can you witness the northern lights? If Earth lies in the path of these charged particles, they interact with our magnetic field and molecules in the upper atmosphere, resulting in the mesmerizing aurora borealis. During this recent geomagnetic storm, the northern lights were visible not only in Canada but also in parts of the northern United States and Europe.

  • Clear skies in various regions allowed people to witness this celestial spectacle. From Vancouver to southern Canada and even central British Columbia, the colorful auroras danced across the night sky. If you were lucky enough to see them, you could capture the magic by sharing your photos with bcphotos@cbc.ca.

A Weekend of Wonder

  • As the solar storm continued, scientists anticipated that the northern lights would continue to dazzle on Saturday night. However, it’s essential to note that while these auroras are awe-inspiring, the storm could also cause disruptions to communications over the weekend.

In summary, the recent geomagnetic storm brought the northern lights to unexpected latitudes, creating a celestial spectacle that captivated skywatchers across Canada and beyond. So, if you find yourself under clear skies during such an event, don’t miss the chance to witness this natural wonder


Comments