The Northern Lights are created when charged particles from the sun get captured into Earth’s magnetic field. The charged particles are produced by sun storms.
September 22nd marks the official start of Fall, or the Autumnal Equinox. According to astronomists, the tilt of the earth’s axis during this time allows for more of the charged particles to enter the magnetic field, making it more likely to catch a glimpse of the Northern lights during both the Fall and Spring Equinox.
“The solar activity, or the increase in sunspots which means a corresponding increase in solar storms has been on the increase just over the last couple of years as we start to approach the maximum of solar storm activity.” Said Astronomist Mike Murray.
Murray describes the sun going through an increase in solar storms on an eleven-year cycle. He says we are approaching the peak of this cycle, causing an increase in sightings of the Northern Lights.