A powerful solar storm is predicted to impact Earth tonight, which could result in stunning Northern Lights displays but also potential power failures.
This is being described by scientists as a ‘cannibal’ solar storm, occurring when a large burst of charged particles from the sun overtakes and fuses with a previous solar eruption, leading to a stronger effect on Earth’s magnetic environment.
The geomagnetic storm could possibly hit a G3 (strong) level early Tuesday morning, and there’s a slight possibility it could escalate to a ‘severe’ G4 level, which would heighten the chances of power interruptions in the northern U.S.
The storm could influence regional power systems by causing voltage swings or damaging transformers, and it might also interfere with radio waves, GPS, and satellite communications.
On the other hand, the Northern Lights might be seen in 18 U.S. states, such as Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington.
Additionally, it might be visible in areas as far south as Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wyoming during the nighttime.
The best time to see the Northern Lights will come between 2 am and 5 am ET Tuesday morning, when the storm is expected to peak over the Northern Hemisphere.
While power outages are unlikely, a strong (G3) or severe (G4) storm could cause minor grid issues in high-latitude areas, with a low risk of localized blackouts.
Eighteen states are expected to be in the path of a major ‘cannibal’ solar storm in the early hours of Tuesday morning
Solar storms produce auroras, also known as the Northern Lights, with stronger storms giving viewers better chances of seeing them (Stock Image)
A geomagnetic storm takes place when the sun ejects particles, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), and they hit Earth’s magnetic field, making it shake or wobble.
Think of it like a strong wind hitting a flagpole. The scale of these storm ranges from G1 (minor, like a light breeze) to G5 (extreme, like a hurricane).
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center revealed that the solar event is expected to begin Monday night as a G1 (minor) to G2 (moderate) storm, but conditions will likely worsen after midnight.
‘Periods of G3 (Strong) storming are likely, with a chance for G4 (Severe) storm periods, as CME effects persist,’ NOAA officials warned in their latest forecast.
The ‘cannibal’ solar storm is also expected to shower the Earth with solar radiation, or high-energy particles known as protons jettisoned by the sun.
Monday and Tuesday’s event is only expected to be an S1 radiation storm, meaning it’ll be like a light rain of particles which isn’t dangerous for people on the ground but could affect satellites or astronauts in space.
Solar flares like this also send out X-rays that can mess up radio signals on Earth. R1-R2 (minor to moderate) might cause spotty radio or GPS signals, while R3 (strong) could cause bigger disruptions, like losing radio contact for a short time.
NOAA warned that there’s a 20 percent chance the storm produces R3 or stronger disruptions to local radio signals throughout the northern US.
The solar storm striking Earth is believed to be a combination of two coronal mass ejections sent out by the sun in recent days (Stock Image)
A ‘cannibal’ solar storm takes place when a faster-moving coronal mass ejection overtakes and emerges with a slower one
For most people, especially those further south in the US, you likely won’t notice any effects tonight or tomorrow morning.
However, Americans might see noticeable auroras (Northern Lights) if they’re in the northern parts of the 18 states within the solar storm’s path.
To improve your chances of seeing an aurora, go to a dark location away from city lights, face north, and use a space weather app for real-time updates.
Power companies regularly take note of these forecasts and usually take steps to prevent problems, such as adjusting their grid settings.
If you rely on sensitive electronics or live in a high-latitude area, it’s recommended that you have a flashlight or backup power ready, just in case the storm is stronger than expected.
