Northern lights dazzle stargazers in Ottawa area

Northern Lights around 10:00 p.m. in front of the National Gallery of Canada and the Maman spider sculpture on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Donna Keough/CTV Viewer)

The northern lights dazzled stargazers in the Ottawa-Gatineau area with another spectacular show.

The aurora borealis was visible across the national capital region Thursday night, the second time this week the dazzling display of lights was seen in the region.

Photos sent to CTV News Ottawa and on social media showed the aurora visible Thursday evening.

The aurora borealis was also visible in the national capital region Monday night and Tuesday morning.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's forecast showed aurora borealis was expected to reach into eastern and southern Ontario on Thursday, and reach near eastern Ontario again Friday night.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday and Friday after an outburst was detected from the sun.

The Ottawa Police Service is asking motorists not to slow down or stop on the roads to view the northern lights.

"Please refrain from slowing or stopping in live traffic to take-in the sights and/or snap a few photos…prioritizing Road Safety is always the best plan," police said on X.

Bylaw tickets

Bylaw Services is reminding people heading out to look at the northern lights that City of Ottawa parks are closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Nine tickets were issued to vehicles parked at Britannia Park just before 1 a.m. Tuesday morning.  Bylaw Services officials tell CTV News Ottawa no other tickets were issued at Britannia Park, Mooney's Bay, Petrie Island or Andrew Haydon Park Monday night/Tuesday morning or Thursday night/Friday morning while the northern lights dazzled stargazers.

"We understand the frustration of those who received a ticket while trying to enjoy the aurora borealis," Christine Hartig, acting director of Bylaw Services, said to CTV News Ottawa.

"Parking restrictions are in place to ensure safety in our parks after hours. While our Bylaw Officers use discretion whenever possible, in these instances where several unattended vehicles are found parked illegally in a closed public space, tickets are issued while drivers are not with their vehicles. We encourage residents and organizations who need access to parks after closing hours to apply for a permit. This ensures everyone can enjoy our parks safely."

Bylaw Services ask people to refrain from entering parks between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

"Unless otherwise posted, city parks are closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., and thus it is not permitted to park overnight."

With files from the Associated Press and CTVNews.ca journalist Daniel Otis.