Solar storms often disrupt radio and GPS services, but this one might only result in visible auroras, or northern lights. The extent to which the aurora can be seen further south remains unclear.
Ryan French, a solar physicist at the National Solar Observatory, notes that while the biggest solar storms can interfere with technology, the
upcoming storm is unlikely to cause major disruptions. It is expected to be strong enough for a northern lights display, but not to significantly impact technology, with only minor issues in specialized sectors.
The most intense explosion, a solar flare, was spotted Tuesday by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite. This flare, just below the highest category, X, caused a shortwave radio blackout over the South Pacific and parts of the Americas for about an hour.
Solar flares impact Earth almost instantly, with radiation bursts arriving in about eight minutes. The associated CMEs, however, take a couple of days. Satellite images revealed a halo CME, suggesting plasma directed towards Earth.
Tuesday’s flare-triggered CME might merge with others ahead of it, potentially creating a “cannibal” CME that could lead to a G3 geomagnetic storm, according to SpaceWeather.com.
The Washington based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center predicts a G3 storm by Friday. G3 storms can intermittently disrupt satellite navigation and high-frequency radio.
CMEs can contain up to 10 billion tons of solar material. “Canniba”’ CMEs, though rare, are more frequent near the sun’s 11-year cycle peak, expected between January and October 2024.
NASA estimates the geomagnetic storm will hit Earth around midday Friday, but it could arrive as early as Thursday.
Auroras, typically seen near the poles, can appear further south during strong CMEs. The University of Alaska forecasts the northern lights over Minneapolis and Milwaukee by Friday, with potential visibility as far south as Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis, and Annapolis, weather permitting.
Ryan French, a solar physicist at the National Solar Observatory suggests late Thursday night might offer the best aurora viewing, though predicting these events is complex due to the close arrival of three eruptions. A G3 outcome is most likely, but variations are possible.
For better aurora viewing, especially in southern latitudes, choose locations away from city lights. Sometimes, auroras near the horizon can be photographed even if not visible to the naked eye.
Nature’s most mesmerizing light show, the aurora borealis, made an appearance in Poland in September for the second time in 2023. Locals from the picturesque regions of Warmia-Masuria, Pomerania, and West Pomerania were lucky enough to witness the event.
