Exciting news for skywatchers! Northern lights may be visible in several states of the US. A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun could create dazzling auroras visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California. However, these celestial displays may also disrupt communications on Earth tonight and over the weekend, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.
An Extreme Geomagnetic Storm
On Friday evening at 6:54 p.m. ET, the Space Weather Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, reported conditions of an extreme geomagnetic storm, reaching a level 5 out of 5 in severity. This is significant because the last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, resulting in power outages in Sweden and damaged power transformers in South Africa.
Earlier that day, at 12:37 p.m. ET, scientists first detected signs of a severe geomagnetic storm (level 4) when they observed a significant disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field. The center had initially issued a geomagnetic storm watch on Thursday evening, the first such watch since January 2005. However, the forecast was upgraded after scientists observed G5, or extreme geomagnetic storm conditions, later on Friday evening.
The Sun’s Peak Activity
As the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, known as solar maximum, researchers have observed increasingly intense solar flares erupting from the sun. This increased solar activity causes auroras, which are also known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) and southern lights (aurora australis). When energized particles from coronal mass ejections reach Earth’s magnetic field, they interact with gases in the atmosphere to create colorful displays in the sky.
Tracking the Solar Flares
Since Wednesday, the Space Weather Prediction Center has tracked multiple strong flares emitting from a large cluster of sunspots on the solar surface. This cluster is 17 times the diameter of Earth, making it particularly noteworthy. Scientists also observed at least seven coronal mass ejections, or large clouds of ionized gas and magnetic fields, erupting from the sun towards Earth. These significant outbursts are expected to continue through Sunday, offering a prolonged period of potential aurora sightings.
What to Expect
If you live in the southern parts of the United States, including Alabama and Northern California, you may have a rare opportunity to witness the northern lights. Typically, these auroras are confined to higher latitudes, but the extreme geomagnetic storm conditions have expanded their visibility range.
However, it’s essential to be aware that this solar activity can also have practical implications. Communications on Earth may be disrupted, so if you experience issues with your devices or other communication technologies, solar flares and geomagnetic storms could be the cause.
Final Thoughts
Keep an eye on the night sky over the weekend for a chance to see the stunning auroras brought about by this extraordinary solar activity. Remember to check local forecasts and updates from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center for the latest information on viewing conditions and potential impacts on communications. This is a rare event that brings both beauty and challenges, highlighting the dynamic relationship between our planet and the sun. With the northern lights possibly being visible in several states of the US, this weekend promises to be an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to witness it.
