Rare Aurora Borealis Display Possible Across Southern US Due to Geomagnetic Storm
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A powerful geomagnetic storm may make the Northern Lights visible much farther south then usual this weekend, perhaps reaching as far as Alabama and California.
Residents of North Carolina and other southern states have a unique prospect to witness the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, due to a severe geomagnetic storm impacting Earth. The storm, triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) or solar flare, is predicted to reach a Category G4 or higher, the most intense level forecast for this event.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction center anticipates the geomagnetic storm to peak at the G4 level on June 1st and 2nd before gradually decreasing in intensity on Tuesday. While the exact interaction of the CME with Earth’s atmosphere remains somewhat unpredictable until closer to the event, scientists are aware that past storms have significantly affected electrical systems.
The effects of the storm could begin as early as midday on Sunday, June 1st.
The geomagnetic storm watch is forecast to be a Category G4 or greater and is the highest storm level predicted.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a geomagnetic storm?
- A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar activity, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares.
- How does a geomagnetic storm cause the aurora borealis?
- When charged particles from a CME interact with earth’s atmosphere, they excite atoms and molecules, causing them to emit light, which we see as the Aurora Borealis.
- How far south might the Aurora Borealis be visible during this storm?
- The Aurora might potentially be visible as far south as Alabama and California during the peak of the G4 geomagnetic storm.
- what are the potential impacts of a G4 geomagnetic storm?
- A G4 storm can cause voltage control problems, protective system issues, and intermittent satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation problems.
- When is the best time to view the Aurora Borealis?
- The best time to view the Aurora is typically during the darkest hours of the night, away from city lights.
