A wave of powerful solar activity is heading straight for Earth. This could lead to stunning displays of the northern and southern lights in new areas. Along with the beauty, though, there are concerns about possible disruptions to satellite communications and GPS systems.
The National Weather Service’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) is tracking a solar radiation storm rated a four out of five in severity. This is significant; it’s the most intense storm we’ve seen in over 20 years. The last time we hit this level was back in October 2003. At that time, the storm caused notable power outages in places like Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa.
According to SWPC, when such storms occur, they can pose risks for astronauts aboard the International Space Station and for airline passengers flying polar routes. Increased radiation from these storms means higher exposure risks for those in high altitudes.
To prepare, SWPC has alerted several organizations, including airlines and NASA. They’ve been proactive in keeping critical service operators informed about the storm’s potential effects. Shawn Dahl, a forecaster from SWPC, highlighted the importance of these communications.
Astronauts can move to safer areas of the space station during radiation spikes, a practice they’ve followed during past storms. For instance, during a severe geomagnetic storm in May 2024, precautions were taken, showcasing the ongoing efforts to protect those in space.
Solar storms also impact our satellites. For example, during the May 2024 event, John Deere reported disruptions for customers relying on GPS for precision farming. However, in general, power grids and satellite operators can usually manage the storm’s effects and keep systems stable.
Still, experts like Ryan French, a solar physicist from the University of Colorado Boulder, mention that while satellite operators might need to react Monday night, widespread issues for the general public are not likely.
Recently, a geomagnetic storm made landfall, which can also disrupt the electric power grid. These storms occur due to coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun. CMEs, caused by intense solar flares, shoot charged particles toward Earth, influencing its magnetic field.
This heightened solar activity can create beautiful auroras. These colorful light displays occur when energized particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere. SWPC anticipates that the auroras may be visible across much of the northern U.S., possibly reaching as far south as Alabama.
In places like Minnesota, clear skies might offer great viewing opportunities. Meteorologist Chris Dolce suggests that Wisconsin and northern Illinois could have breaks in cloud cover, allowing viewers to catch a glimpse. The Pacific Northwest could also have favorable conditions.
Even if the light shows are faint, modern cameras, including smartphones, can capture them. French recommends finding a dark, clear spot facing north for the best chance of seeing the display. Auroras often have bursts of activity, known as substorms, making them visible farther south during those moments.
Looking ahead, solar experts believe more flares may occur within the next week, creating a good chance for further Earth-directed eruptions.
Overall, while we anticipate dazzling celestial displays, there’s caution about potential impacts on technology. For more on solar storms and their effects, you can check the [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https://www.noaa.gov).
