Northern lights make dazzling appearance in Simcoe County

Northern lights over Orillia, Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024. (Submitted: Connor Earl Productions)

Local photographer Connor Earl captured the forecasted Northern Lights.

Earl said late Thursday night and early Friday he photographed the aurora borealis over the skies of Orillia.

A forecast from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the dazzling display was expected to reach well below the 49th parallel, creating a high likelihood of aurora activity directly overhead throughout much of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and the territories. Northern parts of Ontario, Atlantic Canada and the U.S. were also expected to see the lights.

With clear and dark conditions, and an unobstructed view of the northern horizon, aurorae were visible further afield in places like southwestern Ontario and Nova Scotia. According to the NOAA, nearly all of Canada lay within Thursday night's "view line."

With files from CTV News.