Over the weekend, a significant geomagnetic storm brought stunning auroras to viewers from San Francisco to Tasmania. The storm, caused by multiple Earth-directed coronal mass ejections and strong flares from a large sunspot cluster, is expected to continue into the week. While geomagnetic storms typically have minimal impact on Earth, they can disrupt radio communications, satellite systems, and potentially cause power outages. The Space Weather Prediction Center has alerted operators of these systems to take protective measures.
Most people are unlikely to be affected by the geomagnetic storm, and wireless networks, including cell phones, are generally not disrupted. In some cases, severe storms could impact the power grid, but wireless carriers have backups in place. However, the storms also offer a unique opportunity to witness breathtaking auroras in the night sky. The plasma carried by the storm creates colorful displays that illuminate the sky, making for exceptional stargazing experiences.
The auroras can be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California during severe geomagnetic storms. The NOAA has created viewlines for watching the auroras and provides a 30-minute forecast of activity. While it may require patience and the right conditions to witness a spectacular aurora, traveling to locations such as Alaska, northern countries like Finland and Scandinavia, or rural areas with minimal light pollution can increase the chances of seeing the phenomenon.
Bill Murtagh, program coordinator at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, compared hunting for auroras to fishing, requiring patience and the right conditions to finally see the phenomenon. Light pollution in cities inhibits visibility of stars and planets, but driving to rural areas and monitoring weather conditions can improve chances of witnessing auroras. Many people travel to regions like Alaska or northern countries specifically to see and photograph auroras, with tour planners organizing trips around the hope of encountering these celestial displays.
