Northern lights put on spectacular summer show in Manitoba

The partial solar eclipse wasn't the only treat for sky gazers in Manitoba this week.

Skies overManitoba were lit up Tuesday evening and early Wednesday with wide bands of green northern lights and conditions are ripe for the show to continue this week.

• Stunning display of northern lights captured by photographers

Winnipeg's Todd Scott snapped a series of photos from the shores of Lake Winnipeg in Grand Beach Provincial Park showing the brilliant aurora borealisdisplay Wednesday morning just after midnight.

Earlier this week, Regina also witnessed a spectacular show right above the city's skyline.

A lucky combination of conditions is responsible for the summer spectacle, CBC meteorologist John Saudersaid Wednesday.

On the sun, geomagnetic storms are causing bursts of charged particles to reach Earth, firing up the lights,he said.

Here on Earth, our skies are especially dark thanks to the moon's cycle it's ina thin crescent stage, the first phase after the new moon.

• JohnSauder'supdated weather forecast

As long as fog holds off in Manitoba,Thursday night should be clear enough to see more northern lights in the province, Saudersaid.

Skywatchers should try to get away from city light pollutionand look to the north to see the best show.

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