Geomagnetic Storm Expected to Bring Auroras,Minor Technological Disruptions
A geomagnetic storm is forecast to impact earth between Thursday night and Friday morning (US Eastern Time),perhaps bringing the aurora borealis and australis-northern and southern lights-to unusually low latitudes. While the event is anticipated to be moderately strong, experts say significant disruptions to infrastructure are not expected.
The Space Weather Prediction centre (SWPC) anticipates the storm’s arrival, but notes uncertainty regarding its intensity after the initial impact of the coronal mass ejection (CME) that triggered it. “As is often the case with these events, we have less certainty about the intensity of the resulting geomagnetic storm after the arrival and passage of the EMC,” the SWPC stated.
The most visible effect of the storm will be the potential for auroras visible in the northern United States and Europe, and possibly even in more temperate regions with clear skies. The SWPC advises those within the expected aurora zone to observe the skies if conditions permit.
Tho, the storm may also cause minor fluctuations in electrical power grids, momentary interference with GPS and radio signals, and small alterations to communications satellites.NOAA classifies solar storms on a scale of G1 to G5, with G5 representing extreme events. The approaching storm is rated as a G3, considered moderately strong-capable of producing impressive auroral displays without causing widespread damage.
This event underscores the connection between Earth and solar activity. Scientists will continue to monitor the storm’s evolution in the coming hours.
