Canadians may be treated to an unexpected light show this week, according to the Weather Network.

Scott Sutherland, meteorologist and science writer for the Weather Network, said Canadians across the country will have a chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis for the remainder of the week, and into early next week. The northern lights could be visible as far south as the Great Lakes.

However, this is subject to change, Sutherland warned, and stormy weather conditions could interfere.

The Aurora Borealis first made an appearance for Canadians on Monday. People from across the country, ranging from Strathmore, Alberta to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to Thunder Bay, Ontario, began posted photos of the northern lights to Twitter on Monday night.

The northern lights “appear as a result of activity on the suns surface,” according to Randy Attwood, executive director for The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

“It releases highly energetic particles through its solar winds which interact with our magnetic field and atmosphere,” Rachel Ward-Maxwell, a researcher-programmer in astronomy and space sciences with the Ontario Science Centre said. “If the sun is particularly active that can result in a spectacular light show for us.”

This week’s light show is because of a crack in the Sun’s atmosphere known as a coronal hole, according to Yvette Cendes, a PhD student in astronomy at the University of Toronto. This allows for more particles to “stream through than usual, triggering the northern lights.”

“For the next few days, the hole is pointed towards Earth but as the Sun rotates, it’s going to be rotated somewhere else, not directly at us,” Cendes said.

For the best chance of seeing the lights in the next few days, Torontonians should head north of the city and away from any light pollution, Ward-Maxwell said. At least half an hour should be set aside for ones eyes to adjust to the darkness, and “even if (the northern lights) are visible, they will likely be very faint.”

“The lights will likely look green in colour,” Ward-Maxwell said. “Usually when we see them this far south they’re pretty faint and often green. That green colour comes about because of the oxygen in our atmosphere.”

But Attwood said Torontonians should lower their expectations, and before heading out the door, be sure to check a map of the current auroral oval, which shows where the Aurora Borealis are visible.

“It’s not an exact science. These things can peter out,” he said.

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While Ward-Maxwell said she cannot give a percentage likelihood that the northern lights will make it as far south as Toronto, she recommends those interested give it a chance.

“Why not take the opportunity to go out and look at the skies? It’s a very rare event. Most people don’t get the opportunity to see it, especially this far south,” Ward-Maxwell said. “Even if you don’t get to see the northern lights, you still get to enjoy a starry night sky.”