A rare geomagnetic storm has been hitting the Earth for a few hours, offering unique images, but also concern as the solar storm can cause problems in the electrical networks and satellites, although so far the phenomenon is progressing smoothly.
The geomagnetic storm created a spectacular Northern Lights with rare images coming from England, Switzerland and Hungary, while the phenomenon was also recorded in the US from Alabama to California.
“We are almost certain that charged solar particles ejected from the Sun’s corona are headed toward Earth,” Sean Dahl of the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) explained at a press conference.
The Center issued a Category 4 geomagnetic storm warning (on the five-point scale), which has not happened since 2005.
It is difficult to predict the exact start of the phenomenon, but it will last throughout the weekend.
“It can affect infrastructure,” Dahl said, clarifying that this phenomenon is “very rare.” “We’ve notified all the providers we work with, those that operate satellites, communications and, of course, the North American power grid,” he added.
Okay I lied 😂 I can see the Northern Lights in Southeast Georgia 🤩 been on my bucket list for forever #NorthernLights pic.twitter.com/KtnnGyumOa
— JByrd | 🖤❤️ | 🏆🏆 | (@CuteJByrd) May 11, 2024
The Sun is currently near the peak of its activity based on its 11-year cycle. These coronal mass ejections, of which at least seven are directed toward Earth, originate from a sunspot about 16 times the diameter of Earth. They move at a speed of several hundreds of kilometers per second. When they reach the American satellites it will be possible to predict more precisely the intensity of the phenomenon, that is about 20-45 minutes before it reaches the Earth, explained Sean Dahl.
Dahl advised Americans to stock up on batteries or even generators, as they do for all storms.
Probably, one of the most beautiful Aurora Borealis.#aurora #solarstorm #NorthernLightspic.twitter.com/pULeqr7gH1
— Travolax | Travel & Destinations 🌍 (@travolax) May 11, 2024
Electricity providers have been working to better protect their grids for a decade, said Rob Steenberg, a scientist working at SWPC. Power lines can be affected, not homes, and today there are systems in place to avoid them. The GPS network could also be affected.
Ok…. Did not expect this tonight. Colour me stunned.
Even better was someone playing “in the air tonight” really loudly. “I’ve been waiting for this moment, all my life…”#aurora #solarstorm #NorthernLights #skinnerskitchen pic.twitter.com/n7tVnSHFHe
— Tippers (@talktotippers) May 10, 2024
As for air traffic, the FAA does not expect any major problems.
Budapest, Hungary
Massachusetts, USA
The SWPC noted that some aurora may appear in the sky, even in areas where this phenomenon is not common, and advised residents to … take pictures.
“If you’re in an area where it’s dark, cloudless, and with minimal light pollution, you’ll be able to see very impressive auroras,” Steenberg said. “And that’s the gift of space meteorology.”
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#Rare #images #Northern #Lights