A pilot flying over Canada captured unprecedented images of the aurora borealis during a recent, intense geomagnetic storm. The photographs, taken from 37,000 feet above northern Manitoba, Hudson Bay, and Baffin Island, reveal a display described by the pilot, Matt Melnyk, as the most spectacular he’s witnessed in two decades of flying.
The Event: A Rare Geomagnetic Storm
On January 18-19, Earth experienced significant geomagnetic disturbances, causing auroras to appear far beyond their typical polar regions. Skywatchers worldwide reported vibrant green, red, and magenta skies, but Melnyk’s vantage point from a Boeing 787 Dreamliner offered a unique perspective.
“The show started as soon as we climbed above the clouds and continued on and off during the flight from Calgary to London, U.K.,” Melnyk told Space.com. “It was a historical night that’s for sure!”
At cruising altitude, free from light pollution, the auroras appeared remarkably bright, sharp, and expansive. The entire sky was saturated with dancing curtains of color, driven by fluctuations in Earth’s magnetic field.
Why This Matters: Increasing Geomagnetic Activity
The intensity of this aurora display highlights a trend of increasing geomagnetic activity. These storms are linked to solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the Sun. While auroras are a beautiful phenomenon, stronger geomagnetic storms can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communication systems.
Melnyk, who frequently flies over areas where auroras are visible, captured the images using a Canon R6 ii camera and a Sigma 14mm F1.8 lens. He specifically chose a wider lens for this flight, anticipating the scale of the display.
A Record-Breaking Display
This event surpasses even Melnyk’s previous stunning aurora photos from a G4 geomagnetic storm in November 2025. The combination of altitude, clear skies, and the sheer power of the storm created conditions for an extraordinary spectacle.
The pilot’s images serve as a powerful reminder of the dynamic relationship between Earth and the Sun, and the breathtaking beauty that can result from space weather events. The display was so vivid that Melnyk expects to remember this flight for years to come.
