Severe solar storm will cause aurora borealis throughout the northern United States

On Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center announced a highly anticipated event—a severe storm that could make the mesmerizing aurora borealis visible across a vast portion of the northern United States. This unique development marks the first geomagnetic watch issued by the agency since 2005. This is prepared by SSP.

The enchanting display of the northern lights is a result of magnetic storms provoked by solar activity. Recent days have witnessed a series of powerful flares associated with a massive and intricate sunspot structure, measuring 16 times the diameter of Earth.

Interestingly, throughout the solar cycle that commenced in 2019, only three severe geomagnetic storms have been recorded. The ongoing storm, categorized as a G4 event (the second-highest severity level), has exhibited the presence of at least five earth-directed coronal mass ejections. These ejections are expected to reach Earth around noon on Friday and persist until Sunday.

While this event is an extraordinary occurrence that many storm enthusiasts eagerly anticipate, it is important to note that such storms can potentially lead to blackouts. Incidents in Sweden and South Africa serve as reminders of the risks associated with severe storms, including power outages and damage to power transformers.

The chances of witnessing the captivating northern lights will be greatest in northern regions of the United States, Canada, and northern Europe. However, the phenomenon could potentially extend as far west as California. To fully enjoy this spectacular natural phenomenon, it is advisable to seek viewing opportunities in areas away from the glare of city lights. Moreover, regions in the central states and on the west coast are expected to have clearer skies on Friday, although much of the northeast is currently experiencing cloud cover.