Introduction to Severe Solar Storms
Severe solar storms could hit Earth and trigger auroras, according to space weather forecasters who issued an alert on Tuesday. The sun has burped out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections that could reach Earth Tuesday night and early Wednesday.
The potential severe geomagnetic storms could disrupt radio and GPS communications, according to forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
How Northern Lights Happen
The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come. Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
The Science Behind Aurora Displays
Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way. Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.
Expected Duration of Solar Activity
The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, though when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.
How Solar Storms Affect Earth
Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth. When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.
Historical Examples of Solar Storms
In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam. Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.
How to See Auroras
Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app. Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely. Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Conclusion
In conclusion, severe solar storms are expected to hit Earth, triggering auroras and potentially disrupting communications. The sun’s active phase is expected to last through the end of the year, with more auroras expected to appear in the night sky. By understanding how solar storms affect Earth and how to see auroras, individuals can prepare and enjoy the spectacle.
FAQs
- Q: What are solar storms and how do they affect Earth?
A: Solar storms are bursts of energy from the sun that can disrupt Earth’s magnetic field, causing auroras and potentially interfering with communications and the power grid. - Q: How can I see auroras?
A: Auroras can be seen in quiet, dark areas away from city lights. Check the weather forecast and use an aurora forecasting app to find the best viewing times. - Q: How long will the sun’s active phase last?
A: The sun’s active phase is expected to last at least through the end of the year, though the peak of solar activity won’t be known until months after the fact. - Q: Can solar storms be predicted?
A: Space weather experts can alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth, but they cannot predict solar storms months in advance.
