Northern Lights, A geomagnetic storm could deliver a spectacular aurora display over parts of the United States this New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day. NOAA has issued a G3, or strong, geomagnetic storm warning, which was fueled by a recent coronal mass ejection from the sun.
The CME is a blast of plasma and magnetic energy that left the sun on December 29. By December 31, the CME should reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. According to Ryan French, a solar astrophysicist, multiple solar flares – one was an X-class event- contributed to the conditions.
The storm may cause auroras that are visible as far south as Illinois, Oregon, and other states near the 50° latitude line. Residents of northern states like Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine are even more likely to catch the light show. Experts suggest that the best view is in areas that have clear, dark skies and are far from city lights.
Geomagnetic storms result when CMEs impact Earth’s magnetic field. The electrically charged particles interact with atmospheric gases, causing energy to be released as colorful light displays known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) in the Northern Hemisphere or the southern lights (aurora australis) in the Southern Hemisphere.
NOAA classifies geomagnetic storms on a scale from G1 (minor) through to G5 (extreme). This week’s storm is classified as G3, which is strong but not extreme. While auroras are the main attraction here, minor disruptions to radio communications may occur, though significant impacts are being monitored.
This happens as the sun reaches its solar maximum phase, the most active period of its 11-year cycle. This active phase, which is expected to continue through 2025, has already brought incredible auroras across the globe this year, and there are even more displays to come.
To get updates on aurora forecasts, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and aurora tracking apps can provide real-time information.
To Read More: Global