The Northern Lights are expected to light up the night sky across Canada this evening.

This rare September viewing is due to a geomagnetic storm which, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center, is “a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when there is a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth.”

And that’s just about enough science for us, thanks.

The point is, due to the ongoing storm (it began yesterday and is expected to last until tomorrow), viewing conditions for the Northern Lights are excellent across Canada tonight.

According to The Weather Network:

Typically, auroras from a G1 geomagnetic storm reach most regions of Canada, except the southern Atlantic provinces, southern Ontario and southern British Columbia. G2 storm levels produce auroras that stretch farther south, covering nearly all of Canada, and G3 even farther, giving all Canadians a chance to see this amazing phenomenon.

Tonight’s storm is expected to hit G2 and even possibly G3.

Now, if you think you’re going to see anything sitting in your apartment in the middle of a major city, you’ve been staring at your phone longer than we thought. The only way you’re going to catch some of the brilliant sky show is to head away from the light pollution that surrounds urban centres.

Drive north, keep your back to the city, turn off your phone, and get to know nature.

It’s a beautiful night for a road trip.