Northern lights put on spectacular summer show in Manitoba
Clear skies, low moonlight and activity on the sun create ideal conditions, says CBC meteorologist John Sauder
The partial solar eclipse wasn't the only treat for sky gazers in Manitoba this week.
Skies over Manitoba were lit up Tuesday evening and early Wednesday with wide bands of green northern lights and conditions are ripe for the show to continue this week.
Winnipeg's Todd Scott snapped a series of photos from the shores of Lake Winnipeg in Grand Beach Provincial Park showing the brilliant aurora borealis display Wednesday morning just after midnight.
Earlier this week, Regina also witnessed a spectacular show right above the city's skyline.
A lucky combination of conditions is responsible for the summer spectacle, CBC meteorologist John Sauder said Wednesday.
On the sun, geomagnetic storms are causing bursts of charged particles to reach Earth, firing up the lights, he said.
Here on Earth, our skies are especially dark thanks to the moon's cycle — it's in a thin crescent stage, the first phase after the new moon.
As long as fog holds off in Manitoba, Thursday night should be clear enough to see more northern lights in the province, Sauder said.
Skywatchers should try to get away from city light pollution and look to the north to see the best show.
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