The Northern Lights are expected to be strong over the next few weeks and years.

The aurora is triggered when particles from the sun slam into the earth at speeds of up to 72 million Kilometers per hour.

Scott Young, Planetarium Astronomer with the Manitoba Museum handles astronomical content and puts together shows that run at the Star Theater. The Manitoba Museum also offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits including the recently refurbished planetarium; this has made even more shows at the facility possible including the explorations of volcanoes, the human body, and laser light shows.

Young says the main thing is to avoid other lights that can make it difficult to view and to find a forecast for Northern Light online.

To find up-to-date aurora conditions in your area go to auroraforecast.com or go to manitobamuseum.ca to learn more about programs at the museum.