January 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\nThe northern light\u2019s visibility is something that Sherry Buttnor with the Centre of the Universe in Victoria agreed with, saying that it should be seen over Vancouver Island.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf this thing actually develops the way it looks like it might, auroras could be visible all the way down to California. So if everything matures the way it should, it definitely will be visible over Vancouver Island and much farther south,\u201d Buttnor said to CHEK News. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a caveat to that, though, sometimes this incoming solar wind doesn\u2019t connect with that Earth\u2019s magnetic field properly, and auroras don\u2019t happen, but often they do. So you never actually know if it\u2019s going to happen till it happens, but chances are looking pretty good right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buttnor says anyone hoping to see the northern lights should make sure to pack their patience if they head out tonight.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven really strong Aurora storms like this, you can have it really bright, and it can fade away, and it sort of can come back, so it can fluctuate kind of on and off, or it may just be like falling auroras all night,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo it\u2019s always best if you can donate at least a few hours to going out. I know it\u2019s really cold right now, but it\u2019s probably best to get out for several hours at a time and just be patient and watch for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
For best chance of seeing the lights, Buttnor says to get away from city lights, and find a place like a beach or hilltop, then look north.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way this thing is looking at the moment, at least, anyways, you may even be able to see them from right inside the city limits as well,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut the rule of thumb is always to try and get away from the city lights as best you can.\u201d<\/p>\n
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