The United States’ largest solar radiation storm in more than two decades could create a dazzling northern lights display, and it may be visible in areas that typically don’t see such a stunning sight.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center said a “very rare” S4 solar storm was underway on Monday afternoon. A solar storm of this magnitude was last seen in 2003.
A solar radiation storm occurs when charged particles are accelerated by processes at or near the sun and arrive in enough quantity at earth, the agency stated. Solar storms like the one unfolding now can linger at the S1 level for days, according to the SWPC.
A Coronal Mass Ejection also reached earth on Monday afternoon, sparking a geomantic storm. Space.com reported the CME triggered “severe” G4 geomagnetic storm conditions far earlier than expected.
“Coronal Mass Ejections are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona,” NOAA stated on its website. “They can eject billions of tons of coronal material.”
As a result of the CME’s arrival, the northern lights could become visible across the northern half of the U.S., including large parts of Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. According to the SWPC, if G4 levels are reached again this evening, the “auroral oval,” could spread further south across, potentially including all of Illinois and Indiana, and stretching as far as northern California.
While it’s not certain the northern lights will be visible, the chances of a sighting are promising.
Chances are greater in darker locations outside the city of Chicago, and mostly clear skies are expected overnight, boosting the odds even further.
Geomagnetic storms vary greatly in intensity and are classified as “minor” – G1 to “extreme” – G5. At the G4 level, they have the potential to disrupt the power grid, satellites and aircraft. However, most companies and utilities are able to activate safeguards in such events to minimize disruptions.
For the most up-to-date information on the storm, residents can visit the SWPC’s website or Facebook feed.
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