The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, was visible across Europe and as far south as Alabama in the United States due to a severe geomagnetic storm caused by solar flares. Astrophysicist Alfredo Carpineti was able to witness the spectacular display from his rooftop in North London, describing it as an incredible sight with green and purple hues filling the sky. University of Tasmania astronomer Professor Andrew Cole explained that sunspots on the sun’s surface can lead to unstable magnetic fields that eject material into space, resulting in geomagnetic storms when they interact with Earth’s upper atmosphere.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather forecasting center issued a warning that the solar flares could lead to a Level G5 extreme geomagnetic storm, potentially affecting power grids and satellites. Despite this, the phenomenon does not pose any harm to humans. Clinton Wallace, director of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s space weather prediction center, described the storm as an “unusual and potentially historic” event. The geomagnetic disturbance was expected to resolve by Monday morning.
To capture the vibrant green and pink hues of the auroras, experts suggest using a phone camera, as they may not be easily visible to the naked eye. Taking photos of the sky can reveal hidden details that might go unnoticed otherwise. Bureau senior meteorologist Dean Narramore advised looking south across clear skies and avoiding light pollution to best see the Aurora Australis. In April of last year, the southern lights were spotted across Victoria and Tasmania, as well as in Canberra and the town of Esperance in Western Australia, following a large solar flare.
Sunspots on the sun’s surface with unstable magnetic fields can lead to the ejection of material into space, causing geomagnetic storms when they interact with Earth’s upper atmosphere. The resulting display of the aurora borealis or Northern Lights can be seen across Europe and as far south as Alabama in the United States during severe geomagnetic storms. Experts advise using a phone camera to capture the vibrant colors of the auroras, which may not be easily visible to the naked eye. Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather forecasting center warned of potential impacts on power grids and satellites during the extreme geomagnetic storm caused by solar flares.
Despite the potential for disruption to power grids and satellites, the geomagnetic storm caused by solar flares does not pose any harm to humans. University of Tasmania astronomer Professor Andrew Cole explained the connection between sunspots on the sun’s surface and geomagnetic storms, which can lead to the dazzling display of the Northern Lights. Astronomer Alfredo Carpineti witnessed the auroras from his rooftop in North London, describing the sight as incredible with green and purple hues filling the sky. The Bureau of Meteorology’s warning issued for the Level G5 extreme event informed government and infrastructure operators to take action to mitigate potential impacts.
Photographing the sky can reveal hidden details of the auroras that may not be easily visible to the naked eye. Experts advise looking south across clear skies and avoiding light pollution to best see the Aurora Australis. In April of last year, the southern lights were visible across Victoria, Tasmania, Canberra, and Esperance in Western Australia following a large solar flare. The geomagnetic disturbance was expected to resolve by Monday morning, allowing the dazzling display of the Northern Lights to fade. Despite the potential impacts on power grids and satellites, the geomagnetic storm provides a rare opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the auroras stretching across the sky.
