by Amelia Su

On the evening of October 10, 2024, something truly magical happened over Ottawa. As I stepped out of the CKDJ recording studio at Algonquin College, I was greeted by a rare and stunning sight: the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, glowing in the night sky. I quickly found a small park near the studio and managed to capture some incredible photos of the aurora. The sky was illuminated with deep green and blue lights, and in another direction, vibrant shades of pink, green, and blue intertwined, creating a breathtaking scene. This was my first time seeing the Northern Lights, and I was beyond excited.

Later that night, a friend of mine sent me a photo she took from her backyard. In her image, the aurora was a mix of deep purple, pink, and green—a mesmerizing blend of colors. It was amazing that both of us could witness such a rare event in Ottawa, where auroras are not a common occurrence.

According to Natural Resources Canada, auroral activity is much more common in northern regions of Canada, like Yellowknife, Whitehorse, and Churchill. Ottawa, located much further south, typically only experiences auroras during periods of heightened solar activity, making this sighting a rare treat.

Auroras are caused by solar particles interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating beautiful light displays in the sky. While areas like Constance Bay and Kanata on the outskirts of Ottawa are better suited for aurora sightings, the chances of seeing a bright aurora near the city itself are slim. This rare event reminded me how unpredictable and awe-inspiring nature can be, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to witness it.

That night left a lasting impression on me, and I’m glad I had my camera ready to capture these unforgettable moments. It’s not every day that you get to see the Northern Lights, especially in Ottawa. This is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I hope others were able to enjoy this rare sighting as much as I did.

Citations:

Natural Resources Canada. (n.d.). Auroras and Northern Lights in Canada. Retrieved from https://natural-resources.canada.ca/home

Northern Lights in Ottawa (2024-2025). (2024). Retrieved from https://rove.me/to/ottawa/northern-lights.