Nova Scotia could get another glimpse of the northern lights tonight

The geomagnetic storm impacting the Earth's magnetic field allowed for some rare northern lightsviewing in areas of Nova Scotia lastnight.

The Space Weather Prediction Center, which is a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the U.S., is forecasting a similar, if not more active geomagnetic storm fortonight. That may allow for the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis,to be visible once again in areas of the province.

Dave Lane, the observatory director at Saint Mary's University in Halifax,said it should be possible to get a faintviewof thenorthern lights close to the horizon in northern areas of the province.Those areas includeCumberland, Colchester, Pictou, Antigonish and Inverness counties.

Lane cautioned that what is seen by the naked eye may not match pictures taken by viewing enthusiasts. That is due to the quality of modern photography equipment, as well as long exposure techniques.

He also warnedforecasting northern lights is notoriously fickle andfarless accurate than weather forecasts. (Score one for meteorologists!)

Speaking of the weather forecast, conditions look greattonightfor watching thenorthern lights. There will be clear skies, light windsand temperatures will fallinto the low teens. Of course, that type of weather is great for all sorts of night-sky viewing.

If you have a northern lights sighting or pictures, please let us know. Find us on twitter @cbcns or @kalinCBC.