Warnings of geomagnetic storms have been issued due to massive explosions on the Sun, potentially leading to dazzling auroras in the northern United States, Europe, and southern Australia starting Tuesday night.
The most powerful geomagnetic storm in over two decades occurred in May, illuminating night skies with colorful displays in unusual locations like Hawaii, Spain, and South Africa.
According to Mike Bettwy, operations chief of the US-based Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), multiple large coronal mass ejections have been observed, increasing the potential for significant space weather events.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are expected to arrive from Tuesday to Thursday, with geomagnetic storm watches in place on those days. The strongest activity is predicted for Tuesday, with a G3 geomagnetic storm warning issued.
While the upcoming auroras may not reach the extreme levels of those seen in May, they could still be visible in parts of the US, Europe, and southern Australia.
Astronomers in Scotland, northern Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Tasmania may have the chance to witness the auroras over the next few nights.
– ‘Cannibal CME’ –
One of the CMEs heading towards Earth this week has merged with another, forming a “Cannibal CME,” as reported by spaceweather.com. The NOAA cautioned that more CMEs could be on the way.
Geomagnetic storms caused by CMEs can disrupt satellite communication, GPS systems, and electrical grids, as seen during the 2003 Halloween Storms. Astronauts on the International Space Station often take shelter during intense solar activity.
With more solar activity expected as the sun approaches its peak in the 11-year cycle, additional geomagnetic storms could occur in the coming years.
