Smoke from the ongoing Canadian wildfires has drifted across the Atlantic, impacting the skies over Northern Europe, including Denmark. Residents can expect murkier skies and more vivid sunrises and sunsets in the coming days.

The presence of soot particles in the atmosphere, originating from the blazes in Canada, is responsible for the altered sky conditions. According to Christoffer Karoff, associate professor at the Department of Geoscience at Aarhus University, the soot particles will make the sky appear more murky.

While astronomers may find the soot particles disruptive to stargazing, the effect will be noticeable to the naked eye as well. Karoff anticipates that the Danish sky will be affected for the duration of the week, potentially longer, contingent on the containment of the fires.

The Canadian Centre for Forest Fires reports that around 200 wildfires remain active in Canada, with over 100 classified as “out of control”. These fires have already led to the evacuation of approximately 25,000 Canadians.

Karoff assures that the soot particles are not expected to pose a health risk in Europe, since the particles are located high in the atmosphere. This altitude also means that the smell of smoke will likely not be detected at ground level.

The smoke may, however, create an opportunity for a spectacular Whitsun sun phenomenon. Clear weather conditions and minimal haze provide optimal viewing conditions for the smoke filled skies.