'It was a whole dance of lights': Aurora borealis peeks through the clouds in Vancouver
(Samuel Troya, Instagram/@samueltroyaz)
Samuel Troya saw the northern lights over Vancouver once before, about a year and a half ago, but it was nothing like the spectacle he witnessed Friday morning.
"That day, it was only a soft glow over the city," Troya said of his previous encounter with the aurora borealis.
"Yesterday's was breathtaking. It was a whole dance of lights all across the sky at one point."
Troya is just one of numerous skywatchers across Vancouver and across the country who turned their eyes – and camera lenses – to the heavens overnight.
The recent UBC graduate told CTV News he's passionate about landscape photography and knew he wanted to try to take advantage of the geomagnetic storm watch that was expected to produce colourful auroras across northern skies Thursday night.
"It's definitely so, so luck-based," Troya said. "What's crazy about last night is that it was forecasted, but Vancouver being Vancouver, it was super cloudy, so I never even thought that I was going to see them."
"I woke up at 2 a.m. By chance, I saw that the sky was clear, so I grabbed my stuff and rushed to the beach to see if I could see something."
Photos and a short video that Troya shared with CTV News were recorded around 2:30 a.m. at Kits Beach, he said.
Originally from Ecuador, he said he's lived in Vancouver for six years, and has always found the city and surrounding landscape breathtaking. A desire to share the city's sights with friends and family is what motivated him to get out of bed in the middle of the night, he said.
"It's such a beautiful city, and I just love being able to share everything that it has, including northern lights from time to time," Troya said.
Thursday night's display was a result of an Earth-facing coronal hole on the sun and solar winds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
For those who missed the northern lights overnight Thursday, NOAA says there's still a chance for another show Friday night.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
New non-invasive tool detects early stages of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Researchers at Carleton University's Department of Electronics in Ottawa created a ground-breaking testing device to detect early signs of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s through biomolecular activities in a person’s saliva.
'Tone-deaf': Singh slams rapporteur Johnston for not stepping down
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh slammed foreign interference special rapporteur David Johnston's refusal to heed the House of Commons' call for him to step down as 'tone-deaf.'
Collapsed platform in Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar last repaired a decade ago: city
The elevated walkway in Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar that collapsed during a school field trip, sending 16 children and one adult to hospital, was last repaired a decade ago.
BREAKING
BREAKING | Debate cancelled as police look for man who allegedly threatened to shoot Toronto mayoral candidates
A 29-year-old man is wanted by police for allegedly threatening to shoot candidates running for Toronto mayor on Thursday.
Jordan's royal wedding gets underway in ceremony packed with stars and deep symbolism
The wedding of Jordan's crown prince to the scion of a prominent Saudi family began on Thursday in a palace celebration that drew massive crowds and a mood of excitement around the kingdom, while presenting the young Hashemite royal as a new player on the global stage.
Hidden camera discovered in washroom at Gatineau, Que. elementary school
Gatineau police say officers responded to a call from staff at l’école l'Oiseau Bleu on Nelligan Street just after 10 a.m. Friday about a camera found in the washroom.
'Both of them had a heart of gold': Family releases statement on engaged couple shot dead at home near Hamilton
The family of an engaged couple who were shot dead following a dispute with their landlord in Stoney Creek over the weekend released a statement of their loved ones, remembering them as 'two beautiful souls.'
Air Canada reports communications system issue, flights operating at reduced rate
Air Canada reported a technical issue with its flight communications system on Thursday, causing delays across the country for the second time in a week.
RBC resolves technical issues with online, mobile banking
The Royal Bank of Canada has resolved a technical issue that temporarily impacted online and mobile banking.
Vancouver Island
-
Wildfire near Sayward, B.C., remains out of control, but officials say progress being made
British Columbia wildfire officials say crews are making progress in their efforts to suppress a large forest fire on northern Vancouver Island, though the 160-hectare blaze was still burning out of control Thursday.
-
Staff shortage, illnesses behind bus cancellations in Sooke School District
The Sooke School District says an ongoing staffing shortage and recent illnesses are behind the cancellation of several school bus routes.
-
Victoria ranked most walkable city outside of U.S.
British Columbia's capital city has been ranked the most walkable city in the world outside of the U.S. by travel website Travel Awaits.
Calgary
-
Suncor to cut 1,500 jobs by end of year, employees informed Thursday
Suncor says it will cut 1,500 jobs by the end of the year in an effort to reduce costs and improve the company's lagging financial performance.
-
Suspect sought in attempted sexual assault in Royal Oak
Calgary police are hoping the public can help them identify a man wanted in the attempted sexual assault of a woman in the community of Royal Oak last week.
-
Humane Society receives plenty of adoption requests but more needed
The Calgary Humane Society offered some good news and some not-so-great news Thursday about its recent space shortage.
Edmonton
-
Remains of Edmonton man found west of the city
Police are searching for information in the homicide of an Edmonton man found west of the city.
-
Krispy Kreme planning Alberta expansion, starting in Edmonton
Krispy Kreme will soon have a drive-thru and dine-in location in the Alberta capital, and that's just the beginning, the global doughnut giant and a local developer announced Thursday.
-
2 Edmonton outdoor pools open for season, 2 more to open in following weeks
Thursday's overcast weather didn't stop Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Andrew Knack from turning up to Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool's grand opening in swimming trunks, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
Toronto
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | Debate cancelled as police look for man who allegedly threatened to shoot Toronto mayoral candidates
A 29-year-old man is wanted by police for allegedly threatening to shoot candidates running for Toronto mayor on Thursday.
-
Ontario airport set to shutdown as landowner explores redevelopment plans
An Ontario airport announced it is planning on shutting down as its landowner explores redeveloping the grounds north of Toronto.
-
Large part of Ontario now under provincial fire ban
A large part of Ontario is under a provincial fire ban due to high risk of forest fires.
Montreal
-
About 41,000 Hydro-Quebec customers still without power due to forest fires
Several regions of the province have been hit by power outages. The total of Quebec customers without electricity right now stands at 227,881.
-
Calling 311? Bill 96 now requires Montrealers to 'attest' they can get English services
Residents who wish to speak with the City of Montreal by calling 311 now have to attest they can receive services in English because of Bill 96. New provisions of the language law came into effect Thursday.
-
Montreal police to provide 'major' new development in woman's 1996 disappearance
Montreal police say they have made a 'major development' in the case of a missing woman from the late 1990s.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeg among parts of Manitoba under heat warning
The mercury is rising in parts of Manitoba including Winnipeg where heat warnings have been issued.
-
Collapsed platform in Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar last repaired a decade ago: city
The elevated walkway in Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar that collapsed during a school field trip, sending 16 children and one adult to hospital, was last repaired a decade ago.
-
Manitoba premier issues apology for centre for people with intellectual disabilities
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson has issued a formal apology in the legislature to former residents of a facility for people with intellectual disabilities.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. education minister supports Catholic schools' stance on 'Rainbow Tent'
Saskatchewan’s Minister of Education says it should be a parent’s right to decide if their child participates in programming related to gender and sexual diversity.
-
Following outcry, Sask. government pledges $40M top-up for education budget
A month after Premier Scott Moe said more money was on the way for school divisions, Saskatchewan's education minister announced a $40 million top-up.
-
Saskatoon woman randomly stabbed in torso while shopping downtown
The victim of a random stabbing in downtown Saskatoon last Thursday is sharing her story about the terrifying attack in broad daylight.
Regina
-
Following outcry, Sask. government pledges $40M top-up for education budget
A month after Premier Scott Moe said more money was on the way for school divisions, Saskatchewan's education minister announced a $40 million top-up.
-
'This is disgusting': Sask. Indigenous prof says deep-rooted stereotypes continue to drive racial profiling
A Saskatchewan university business lecturer says companies need to do a better job of educating employees on consumer racial profiling.
-
Maxime Bernier part of group found guilty for breaking 2021 public health rules in Regina
Maxime Bernier, the leader of the People’s Party of Canada, is part of a group of people found guilty of breaking COVID-19 public health rules in Regina two years ago.
Atlantic
-
N.S. premier calls for urgent, proactive firefighting help from Ottawa
Premier Tim Houston repeated his calls for urgent firefighting help Thursday, asking Ottawa to “be proactive” with aid as multiple wildfires continue to burn out of control.
-
Waegwoltic Club burns in south-end Halifax
A historic athletic club in south-end Halifax is on fire.
-
Prospect Road fire 'knocked down,' but not yet under control: Halifax deputy fire chief
Halifax deputy fire chief David Meldrum says a new fire started Thursday afternoon on Prospect Road, near St. Margaret’s Bay Road, and “a large area of forest and brush are involved.”
London
-
Long-time supporter of London, Ont. minor sports passes away
Jimmy Agathos, a well-known London, Ont. businessman who supported his community for decades through minor sports, passed away early Thursday morning.
-
Provincial investment to combat hate in London
Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism is investing $500,000 to support a number of programs aimed at fighting racism and hate in London, Ont.
-
The hot, dry weather may have you feeling sympathetic to farmers but, for now, they're not complaining
The current heat wave has southwestern Ontario farmers poised for a promising growing season, but now a little rain would be welcome.
Northern Ontario
-
New non-invasive tool detects early stages of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Researchers at Carleton University's Department of Electronics in Ottawa created a ground-breaking testing device to detect early signs of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s through biomolecular activities in a person’s saliva.
-
Danny Masterson convicted of 2 counts of rape, 'That '70s Show' actor faces 30 years to life
'That '70s Show' star Danny Masterson was led out in handcuffs from a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday and could get 30 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty on two of three counts of rape at his second trial, in which the Church of Scientology played a central role.
-
3 girls now charged in assault, kidnapping investigation in Huntsville
Huntsville OPP has charged a third girl in connection to an alleged assault captured on video at a local high school and shared on social media earlier this month.
Kitchener
-
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
CAUGHT ON CAMERA | 'This isn’t going to happen today': Staff at Kitchener business recall how they thwarted attempted robbery
The shocking incident was captured on the store's security cameras.
-
Serious collision injures two in Guelph
Two people have been taken to hospital after a serious crash in a Guelph parking lot.
-
Local manufacturer files for bankruptcy, former employees claim they’ve been terminated
The manufacturing company Injection Technologies Inc. has filed for bankruptcy and insolvency and a number of former Kitchener employees tell CTV News they have been terminated.