Solar Storm Intensifies, Casting a Spectacular Display of Northern Lights Across the Sky

Authorities cautioned about the possibility of blackouts or disruptions to navigation and communication systems over the weekend, along with the likelihood of auroras appearing as far south as Southern California or Texas.

A powerful eruption from the sun triggered the most intense geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere on Friday, expected to extend the visibility of the northern lights as far south as Florida and Southern California. This storm, the strongest since Halloween of 2003, has the potential to disrupt power grids, communications, and navigation systems. Its effects may persist throughout the weekend due to a continuous stream of solar emissions bombarding the planet’s magnetic field.

The magnitude of this solar activity prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue an unusual storm watch, the first in 19 years, subsequently upgraded to a warning. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center observed multiple outbursts on the sun’s surface since Wednesday, with at least five directed towards Earth.

Mike Bettwy, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center operations chief, emphasized that the upcoming days could witness more significant impacts compared to previous occurrences. While the northern lights, or auroras, will be the most visible aspect of the storm, authorities and industries are monitoring potential effects on infrastructure such as global positioning systems, radio communications, and electricity supply.

 

Although the northern lights are typically observed in higher latitudes closer to the North Pole, this weekend’s event promises a spectacle visible in many parts of the world, potentially lasting into the early days of the following week. Across Europe, as Friday transitioned to Saturday, individuals reported witnessing colorful displays in the sky.

 

Alfredo Carpineti, an astrophysicist, journalist, and author in North London, recounted seeing the auroras with his husband from their apartment rooftop. He described the experience as remarkable, noting the widespread presence of green and purple hues across the sky.

 

In summary, a significant solar event unfolding this weekend has triggered heightened geomagnetic activity, leading to the anticipation of auroras visible across diverse regions. While offering a breathtaking natural display, this event also raises concerns about potential disruptions to critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness.

What impact will the storm have on individuals on Earth?

Geomagnetic storm watch or warning indicates potential space weather impacts on critical infrastructure on or around Earth, possibly inducing additional currents that could harm pipelines, railroad tracks, and power lines. Joe Llama, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, notes that communications reliant on high-frequency radio waves, such as ham radio and commercial aviation, are most susceptible to disruption, while devices like cellphones and car radios, which utilize low-frequency waves, are less likely to be affected.

 

Though unlikely, blackouts remain a possibility. In preparation, individuals can ensure device charging, access to backup batteries, generators, and radios, similar to precautions taken during standard power outages.

 

The Carrington Event of 1859 stands as a historic example of a significant solar storm, lasting nearly a week and affecting communication systems worldwide. However, advancements since then have enhanced understanding and preparedness for such events. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecaster Shawn Dahl assures that while severe, a recurrence of such an extreme event is not anticipated.

 

Unlike public alerts for phenomena like tornadoes, NOAA’s announcements target agencies and companies responsible for critical infrastructure, providing them with time to implement protective measures. The ultimate aim is to maintain grid stability and minimize disruptions to daily life, as emphasized by Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

 

 

Is it possible for me to witness the northern lights?

This week, there’s a chance that the northern lights may illuminate skies in areas where they’re not typically seen. For the best viewing experience, venture outside the glare of city lights. While cloudy or stormy weather may hinder visibility in some locations, clear skies offer an excellent opportunity to capture this phenomenon with your cellphone camera. The camera’s sensor is more sensitive to the wavelengths emitted by the aurora, potentially capturing images not visible to the naked eye.

 

Additionally, if skies are clear during the daytime, there’s a chance to observe sunspots. However, it’s crucial to avoid direct sun exposure without proper protection. If you still have eclipse glasses from the April 8 event, they may be suitable for safely viewing the cluster of sunspots contributing to the activity.

What is the intensity of the ongoing geomagnetic storm?

Massive eruptions on the sun’s surface, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), release streams of energetic particles into space. While these outbursts may not always intersect with Earth’s path as it orbits the sun due to the sun’s vast size, when these particles disrupt Earth’s magnetic field, it triggers a geomagnetic storm.

 

NOAA categorizes these storms on a scale ranging from G1 to G5, with G1 considered minor and G5 designated as extreme. The most severe storms have the potential to cause widespread blackouts and infrastructure damage on Earth, while satellites may struggle to maintain orientation or transmit and receive information during such events.

 

The current storm has been classified as G5, indicating an “extreme” level of severity. It stems from a cluster of sunspots—dark, cooler areas on the sun’s surface—roughly 16 times the diameter of Earth. This cluster is exhibiting frequent flares and material ejections, occurring every six to twelve hours.

 

Brent Gordon, chief of the space weather services branch at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, anticipates a continuous series of shocks throughout the weekend due to this intense solar activity.

What’s the reason for this occurrence at present?

The sun operates in an 11-year cycle of activity, and it’s currently nearing a peak phase known as solar maximum. In this cycle, which began in December 2019, three severe geomagnetic storms have been observed. However, none were anticipated to generate Earth-threatening impacts necessitating a formal watch or warning announcement.

 

The current storm originates from the largest cluster of sunspots seen in this solar cycle, according to NOAA officials. They noted that the activity observed in this cycle has exceeded initial forecasts.

 

While further flares and emissions are expected from this sunspot cluster, its orientation as the sun rotates reduces the likelihood of significant impacts on Earth. Although the sunspots may reappear on the left side of the sun in the coming weeks, scientists find it challenging to predict if this will trigger another surge of activity.

 

Shawn Dahl from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center remarked that such events typically diminish in intensity upon recurrence, but only time will confirm this outcome.