Geomagnetic Storms: On Thursday, a strong geomagnetic storm is expected to impact Earth. This may result in bright auroras being visible further south than usual in the United States.
According to Maine, “A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when there is a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth. The largest storms that result from these conditions are associated with solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) where a billion tons or so of plasma from the sun, with its embedded magnetic field, arrives at Earth. CMEs typically take several days to arrive at Earth, but have been observed, for some of the most intense storms, to arrive in as short as 18 hours”
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The formation of auroras is the most captivating result. When charged particles collide with atmospheric gases, they produce these shimmering light displays, known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) and southern lights (aurora australis).
According to Bill Murtagh, the SWPC’s program coordinator, “it’s basically the Sun shooting a magnet out into space” to Nexstar media. “This significant interaction results from that magnet’s impact on Earth’s magnetic field.”
Where in North America are the auroras this week?
Despite the fact that the northern lights are typically only seen in the Arctic Circle—hence their name—the intensity of this week’s flares allows for the possibility of seeing the stunning spectacle as far south as Alabama and California in the United States.
The best places in North America to see this week’s predicted auroras, which are predicted to be visible on both Thursday and Friday, are places like Alaska and Canada, according to a viewline prediction by the SWPC.
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A geomagnetic storm: what is it?
The solar wind is a flow of charged particles that the Sun continuously releases toward Earth. Fortunately, our planet is protected by the magnetosphere, a magnetic shield that typically deflects this wind, keeping it safe for us.
However, sometimes the Sun sends out more powerful bursts called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These particle bursts can cause geomagnetic storms, which are temporary disturbances in the magnetosphere. These storms can lead to unexpected effects on Earth.
Though stunning, geomagnetic storms can interfere with radio signals that are utilized by ships, airplanes, and even GPS. In severe situations, they can produce currents strong enough to harm electrical grids and result in blackouts. Regarding this week’s storm, the SWPC has stated that “detrimental impacts to some of our critical infrastructure technology are possible.”
