Will we see northern lights, power grid impacts amid 'severe' geomagnetic storm?
(NEXSTAR) — As of Wednesday morning, Earth is being hit by a strong solar radiation storm event that will be followed by a geomagnetic storm, space weather officials say.
It's all thanks to an X1.8 solar flare spotted on the sun overnight. While weaker than the X9 flare detected last week, the flare and its companion coronal mass ejection (CME) could make quite an impact on Earth.
Flares and CMEs aren't like meteoroids that can find their way to Earth. Instead, their impacts are largely felt within our atmosphere — though we may experience some disturbances down here.
How will the solar flare impact Earth?
The flare has sparked S3 solar radiation storm conditions, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. Storms at this level (on a scale of one to five) are capable of causing radiation hazards for astronauts as well as those on high-flying aircraft who are at high latitudes. Satellites may be disrupted and their solar panels may become slightly less efficient.
"Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation. Harmful radiation from a flare cannot pass through Earth’s atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground," NASA explains. "However — when intense enough — they can disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS & communications signals travel."
With this flare, the SWPC warns that high-frequency radio signals "may experience loss of contact or major disruptions for a number of minutes to a couple of hours in the affected areas." Storms of this intensity are rare, according to the SWPC, and this particular storm is expected to weaken to S1 or S2 levels through Thursday and Friday.
The CME associated with the X1.8 solar flare, however, may spark more noticeable impacts for us.
Will we see the northern lights?
The SWPC has already issued a geomagnetic storm watch for the next two days due to the "fast" CME that erupted from the sun overnight. It's traveling between speeds of 1,200 to 1,300 kilometers per second, or more than 2,600,000 miles per hour.
At this speed, it could reach Earth between morning and midday on Thursday, the SWPC says. The CME could spark G4-level storming, the second-highest category possible, but it's unclear until it's within 1 million miles of Earth.
Should the storming reach G4 strength, and impact Earth's atmosphere when we are not in daylight hours, much of the U.S. could have a chance at seeing the northern lights.
G4 storms have been known to bring the aurora as far south as Alabama and northern California. Earlier this year, a powerful G4 geomagnetic storm brought the northern lights all the way to Hawaii, Florida, and Texas.
As of Wednesday morning, the forecast for Thursday night shows the aurora could be visible as far south as northern Missouri and Nebraska and central Illinois and Indiana.
The SWPC's three-day forecast shows G4 conditions are expected around 2 p.m. ET Thursday through 2 a.m. ET on Friday. These predictions could change, though, as the CME gets closer to Earth and forecasters are better able to analyze it.
Will infrastructure be impacted?
While the northern lights may be a stunning sight, CMEs are also capable of impacting critical infrastructure technology, like our power grids.
Thankfully, any impacts can be mitigated, according to the SWPC.
U.S. power grid operators are kept well-informed about the potential impacts of space weather, SWPC Service Coordinator Shawn Dahl told Nexstar via email last month.
As for now, the SWPC is continuing to monitor the conditions.
The sun is progressing through an active pattern known as Solar Cycle 25 in which it flips its poles. As we near the peak of that 11-year cycle, researchers say we can expect to see more strong solar storms — and, hopefully, more strong bouts of the northern lights.
Date: |
-
Business - CNBC
We see a driver for AMD stock coming up — plus, what's behind the continued market rally
Every weekday, the Investing Club releases the Homestretch; an actionable afternoon update just in time for the last hour of trading.58 minutes ago -
Top stories - CBS News
Live Updates: Hurricane Milton approaches Florida landfall as powerful storm
Hurricane Milton is on a path to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, south of the Tampa Bay area.1 hour ago - Florida -
Sports - CBS Sports
QB Power Rankings: Miami's Cam Ward rises back to No. 1 amid massive reshuffling after chaotic week
Plenty of newcomers join the rankings after Week 6 saw several of the top teams go down4 hours ago -
World - Yahoo News
Two civilians killed by Hezbollah rocket fire in northern Israel
2 hours ago - Israel -
Top stories - ABC News
How rising oil prices could impact the election, according to experts
Oil prices have surged in recent weeks as conflict escalates in the Middle East.56 minutes ago -
Top stories - BBC News
Record storm surge forecast in Florida
Parts of Florida are bracing for a huge storm surge. But why do such surges happen and why are they so deadly?9 hours ago - Florida -
Top stories - CBS News
Allegations of price gouging amid Milton evacuations
Multiple companies are being accused of price gouging as Florida residents try to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton. CBS News contributor Javier David has more.3 hours ago -
Top stories - BBC News
Waiting out is a 'gamble we weren't willing to make'
Florida residents caught in the storm's path must choose between peril and uncertainty.2 hours ago -
Health - The New York Times
Hospitals and Nursing Homes in Milton’s Path Prepare for the Storm
Hospitals and nursing homes in Florida have plenty of experience with hurricanes, but officials are aware that Milton may bring more damage than past storms.1 hour ago
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
Trump Florida resort hosts linemen before Hurricane Milton response
The Trump Organization extended an invitation to more than 200 power linemen to stay at their golf resort in Miami Wednesday, as Florida's Gulf Coast prepares for Hurricane Milton to make landfall ...36 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Slotkin, Rogers tied in Michigan Senate survey
Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D) and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R) are tied in a new survey as they vie for retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s (D) seat in the upper chamber. The Quinnipiac University ...40 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Harris makes impromptu call into CNN, says Trump’s hurricane comments 'dangerous'
Vice President Harris called into CNN on Wednesday to talk about Hurricane Milton as it approaches Florida, bashing former President Trump for his comments about the federal government's response ...47 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Trump 'God Bless the USA' Bibles printed in China, records show
Thousands of copies of former President Trump's "God Bless the USA" Bible were printed in China, according to trade records reviewed by The Associated Press. According to AP, the records showed ...52 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Senate Democrat: Trump White House controlled ‘flawed and incomplete’ FBI Kavanaugh investigation
Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.) released a report Wednesday that accused the Trump administration’s FBI of conducting a “flawed and incomplete” investigation into the allegations of ...55 minutes ago - Donald Trump