Aurora Borealis Toronto November 5, 2001

Who would have dreamed that it was possible to see the northern lights in colour in Toronto. I was too awed (and not ready) to take photographs when the storm was at its peak. There was a coronal hole at the zenith with rays of light emanating in all directions. Red, blue and green were visible even with the bright moon and the light pollution of the city. The above photos were taken in our back yard when the most intense part of the storm had subsided.

For some fantastic photos taken around the world on Nov 5, 2001 see the Aurora Gallery. The image taken by the US Air Force's Defense Meteorological Satellite Program shows a line of intensity running through the vicinity of Toronto. It was confirmed by a resident of Hornepayne, Ontario, located well north of Toronto, that from their perspective the maximum intensity of the Aurora was visible to their south.

Test the limits of your senses and listen to auroras!                                HOME