Powerful Solar Storm Could Push Northern Lights Farther South Across U.S.

A powerful solar storm is expected to reach Earth Monday evening, potentially triggering stunning aurora displays far beyond their usual range.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, the northern lights could extend south from their typical viewing areas to states including Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, upstate New York, and northern New England. The UK’s Met Office said similar displays may also be visible across much of the United Kingdom.

The storm, caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun on Saturday, involves massive clouds of plasma and magnetic fields traveling at speeds of about 2 million miles per hour. When these charged particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere, they produce glowing hues of green, blue, and purple—oxygen and nitrogen atoms lighting up the night sky.

Scientists measure geomagnetic storms on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (severe). Monday night’s storm is forecast to reach moderate G2 or G3 levels early on, with a chance of intensifying to a stronger G4 level by Tuesday morning. If it peaks, visibility of the auroras could spread across wide swaths of the northern hemisphere.

Forecasters caution that a waxing gibbous moon could dim visibility in some regions, though dark, clear skies will provide the best chance to view the auroras. The storm is expected to peak between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday.

While the light show may be spectacular, the solar activity can also cause minor disruptions to technology, including GPS systems, radio signals, and even parts of the power grid. NOAA noted that such effects are typically limited and manageable.

This surge in solar activity comes during what scientists call the “solar maximum,” the most active phase in the sun’s 11-year cycle. Several impressive aurora displays have already occurred in the past year, and experts say more could follow in the months ahead.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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