Airdrie witnessed history in the making this month

Airdrie residents who looked to the skies earlier this month were part of history. The massive geomagnetic storm that produced a stunning aurora borealis on May 10-11, was one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in more than two decades. The last geomagnetic storm that is comparable was in October 2003. 

The American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center classified the event as a G5, the highest rating given to these events. 

The weekend celestial show in early May over the skies in Airdrie was historical, with incredible Northern Light views that thousands of locals enjoyed. (Graphic credit to the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center) 

Airdrie resident, Chris Ratzlaff of Alberta Aurora Chasers agreed that the celestial light show was one for the history books.

"It was reported from as far south as Mexico, which is pretty incredible. Generally, for 90 per cent [of] overall events, you won't see them much further south than say, Fort McMurray," he said. "I would say it's certainly in my top 10 events that I've had a chance to photograph."

Ratzlaf explained that one of the other unique aspects of this month's aurora sighting was that the aurora is shaped like a dome which wraps around the earth, and in Alberta, more often than not, those seeing the aurora will see the northern edge of it.

"At one point, the only place where we were able to see Aurora was in the southern sky, so, we were looking at the northern edge of the aurora event, which was absolutely a first for me." 

But it wasn't just the direction of the aurora that stunned residents; the colours of the aurora were also breathtaking. Ratzlaff explained that while many aurora sightings are seen in green hues, the aurora on May 10-11 offered spectacular, bolder colours. 

"The stronger the aurora gets and the higher it is, there will be different colours that show up like purple and red," he added. "And then in between, you may see shades of pink as well. I think what was impressive about the May 11 event was, that you could see red with the naked eye."

While Ratzlaff said he has photographed red auroras before, seeing it with one's own eyes was certainly another first. 

According to the Canadian Space Agency's explanation, when The Sun emits electrons and protons into space, this is called a solar wind and The Earth's magnetic field forms an invisible shield that redirects the solar wind around our planet.

"As Earth's magnetic field protects us from the solar wind, the magnetic field lines are dragged and stretched. They snap back like an elastic band, launching charged particles down toward Earth's surface along the magnetic field lines. Auroras occur when these charged particles launched along Earth's magnetic field collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere."

The collisions then produce, 'tiny flashes that fill the sky with colourful light.'

"This light works the same way as a neon lamp or an old cathode ray tube television set. As billions of flashes occur in sequence, the auroras appear to move or "dance" in the sky."

Although it is uncertain if another historic event such as the one earlier this month may occur again, Ratzlaff did remind everyone that safety is always the most important aspect of aurora chasing. He reminded everyone that if they intend to chase future auroras, parking on the side of a highway, though it may be convenient and easy, is unsafe. He said it is best to find a public, rural parking lot, where one can safely park the car and not obstruct traffic. He also cautioned Aurora Chasers to not trespass on private property.

"It's unnerving to have cars parked outside of your property in the middle of the night; just avoid that entirely and clean up after yourself," he said.

When asked if he could sum up the aurora borealis event earlier this month in one word, Ratzlaff said it was difficult to find just one word to sum up the phenomenon.

"the first words that come are a wall of red. There was just so much read," Ratzlaff said. "It was also seen by more people probably than any aurora ever before. I would say this aurora was also the most photographed."

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