Will There Be Northern Lights Tonight in Calgary?

The aurora borealis or northern lights is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the high-latitude regions of the world, including Canada. Many people travel to Calgary, hoping to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking light display. But how do you know if there will be northern lights in Calgary tonight? In this blog post, we will look at the factors that affect the appearance of the northern lights and the best ways to increase your chances of seeing them.

What are Northern Lights?

The northern lights are a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions of the earth. They are caused by the collision of electrically charged particles from the sun with the earth’s magnetic field. These charged particles, also called solar wind, interact with atoms and molecules in the earth’s atmosphere, emitting light in different colors.

Factors Affecting Northern Lights

The appearance of the northern lights is influenced by various factors, including:

• Solar Activity – The intensity of the northern lights depends on the level of solar activity, which is measured by the number of sunspots on the sun. The more sunspots, the more likely you will see auroras.
• Weather Conditions – Clear and dark skies increase the chances of seeing the northern lights. If the sky is cloudy or the city lights are too bright, it can be difficult to see them.
• Geographic Location – The northern lights appear predominantly in the high-latitude regions, closest to the poles.
• Time of Day – The best time to see the northern lights is during the hours of darkness, usually between 10 pm and 2 am local time.

Can You See Northern Lights in Calgary?

Calgary is located in the Southern Alberta region of Canada, which is not as close to the poles as other areas of Canada such as Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, or Churchill, Manitoba. However, on rare occasions, the northern lights can be seen in Calgary and other parts of southern Canada.

The northern lights can be seen in Calgary during periods of high solar activity, usually during solar maximums, which occur approximately every 11 years. During these periods, the auroras may be visible as far south as Calgary or even further south, depending on the intensity of the solar activity and other factors mentioned above, including weather and geographic location. In addition, the northern lights can be seen from Calgary on rare occasions during periods of geomagnetic storms, triggered by coronal mass ejections from the sun.

How to Check if Northern Lights Will be Visible in Calgary?

If you want to find out if northern lights will be visible in Calgary tonight, there are various tools and resources available. One of the most popular resources is the Aurora Forecast, which provides real-time and short-term predictions of auroral activity based on current solar wind data and other factors. Another useful tool is the Auroral Oval, which provides a live map of the location of the auroral oval and its predicted intensity. The map also shows the location of cities and towns within the oval, included Calgary. Finally, there are various Aurora Watch resources on social media, including Twitter, where you can get up-to-date information on aurora sightings and forecasts in real-time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, seeing northern lights in Calgary is a rare occurrence, but not impossible. The appearance of the auroras depends on various factors, including solar activity, weather conditions, geographic location, and time of day. Checking aurora forecasts and using other tools such as the auroral oval map can increase your chances of seeing the northern lights in Calgary. So, if you are planning on catching a glimpse of this magnificent natural phenomenon, make sure to bring warm clothes, find a clear and dark spot, and have patience.

An Insider’s Guide to Calgary: Beyond the Northern Lights

Calgary, the vibrant and dynamic city in the province of Alberta, Canada, is known for its picturesque landscapes, friendly locals, and rich cultural heritage. While the Northern Lights add to its charm, there is so much more to Calgary than this captivating natural phenomenon. In this insider’s guide, we will take you beyond the aurora borealis and explore the hidden gems, local cuisine, culture, history, and unique experiences of Calgary.

Local Attractions: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Calgary

Beyond the typical tourist attractions lies a world of hidden gems that only locals would know. For a bird’s eye view of the city, take a walk to Scotsman’s Hill, a lookout point in the southeast that gives you an uninterrupted view of downtown Calgary and the Bow River. For nature lovers, The Weaselhead Natural Area offers over five kilometers of hiking trails winding through pristine wilderness, alongside the Elbow River. Another hidden gem is the Lougheed House, a breathtaking mansion from 1891 that was once home to one of Calgary’s most influential families. Today the heritage site has been restored and turned into a museum, showcasing life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Dining Spots: Savoring Calgary’s Diverse Cuisine

Calgary’s dining scene is diverse, reflecting the city’s multicultural population. No visit to Calgary is complete without trying the famous ginger beef, a dish that originated in Calgarian Chinese restaurants in the 1970s. For a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, head over to the Golden Bell Saigon, a hole-in-the-wall eatery run by a Vietnamese family that serves delicious pho and other traditional dishes. For a unique dining experience, visit the River Cafe, located on the Prince’s Island Park in the Bow River. The restaurant serves local cuisine, with most of the ingredients sourced from local farms.

Cultural Experiences: Discovering Calgary’s Traditions and Festivals

Calgary’s cultural heritage is deep-rooted, with a rich history of indigenous communities and immigrants from around the world. One way to explore this heritage is through the city’s various festivals and events, such as the Calgary Stampede, which takes place every July and commemorates the city’s Western heritage. The Carifest festival held every August celebrates Calgary’s Caribbean community with parades, music, and food. The Glenbow Museum is another excellent place to explore the city’s culture, with a collection of over 1.3 million artifacts and artworks.

Local History: Uncovering Calgary’s Captivating Past

Calgary’s history is filled with captivating stories, from the thriving indigenous communities to the prospectors drawn by the city’s abundant natural resources. One such story is that of Patrick Burns, one of the wealthiest businessmen of his time. Burns started his career in Calgary as a meat packer and went on to become a senator. Today his legacy lives on through the Burns Memorial Fund, which supports local organizations. Another fascinating slice of Calgary’s history is the Chinese Boathouse, a historic building in the Inglewood neighborhood that was once a gathering place for the Chinese community.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Experiencing Calgary’s Unique Offerings

Finally, for a truly unique Calgary experience, try the YYC Beer Bike tour, a group bike ride that takes you to some of Calgary’s best breweries. Another lesser-known but equally enthralling experience is hiking along the Doughnut Falls, a stunning waterfall that falls into a volcanic cave near Kananaskis. The Devonian Gardens, located in downtown Calgary, is another hidden gem, with over 10,000 square feet of botanical gardens interspersed with fountains and sculptures.

In conclusion, while the Northern Lights are undoubtedly stunning, Calgary offers so much more than just this. Whether you are a nature lover, a foodie or a culture enthusiast, this city has something for everyone. We hope that this insider’s guide has given you a glimpse of the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that Calgary has to offer.