Northern Lights seen over Ottawa, eastern Ontario

Northern lights overhead in Dunrobin on March 23, 2023. (Christopher Illidge/CTV Viewer)

Ottawa and eastern Ontario residents who looked to the sky Thursday night were treated with a rare sight.

Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, made a rare appearance, with residents across Ontario treated to the stunning effect.

The Northern Lights normally aren't visible this far south.

According to The Weather Network, the display is due to a gigantic gap in the solar atmosphere, which emits a much stronger than usual solar wind. As that solar wind sweeps past earth, its charged particles cause a disturbance in the planet's geomagnetic field.

With clear skies Friday night, another viewing might be possible.

• Did you see the Northern Lights on Thursday and snap a photo? If so, we'd love to see it. Please email it to [e-mail].

The Aurora Borealis as seen from Huntclub in Ottawa on March 23, 2023. (Cecilia Loizzo/CTV Viewer)

The Northern Lights from Carleton Place, Ont. on March 23, 2023. (Austinator Reid/CTV Viewer)

The Northern Lights seen over Stittsville on Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023. (Andrew Symes/CTV Viewer)

Last night's Aurora Borealis, observed in Ottawa. This photo was taken around mid-night during a brief moment of clear sky. (Nelson Liu/CTV Viewer)

The Northern Lights seen over Stittsville on Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023. (Courtesy Andrew Symes)

Aurora Borealis from South Mountain, ON. I have not seen or photographed a display like this in many years. (Gary Boyle/The Backyard Astronomer/CTV Viewer)

Northern lights seen Thursday night just before midnight over the town of Almonte, Ont. (Kelly Peltier/CTV Viewer)