This weekend is set to be unforgettable for aurora enthusiasts around the globe. A series of no less than eight powerful solar flares over the past week have launched coronal mass ejections (CMEs) towards Earth. Some of these CME’s are likely to catch up with each other and compress each other further, creating what is know as a Cannibal CME. Forecasters at the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) have issued a watch for a severe G4 geomagnetic storm, the second-highest classification, which could cause widespread auroras far beyond their usual latitudes.
Understanding the Impact of a G4 Geomagnetic Storm
A G4 geomagnetic storm represents a severe level of solar activity with the potential to disrupt satellites, GPS navigation, and even power grids in high-latitude regions. However, the silver lining to such disturbances is the spectacular display of the Northern Lights, potentially visible in locations as far south as the northern United States and Europe.
During a G4-level storm, the Earth’s magnetosphere is hit by a torrent of solar particles propelled at speeds that can exceed 1,000 km/s. This interaction energises the Earth’s atmospheric gases, causing them to glow and produce the awe-inspiring natural light show known as the aurora borealis or Northern Lights.
What to Expect in the Sky
The geomagnetic storm is expected to arrive this weekend, and its timing could align perfectly for nighttime aurora observations across much of the northern hemisphere. With the current solar cycle ramping up more vigorously than anticipated, this event could be one of the most significant in recent years.
The aurora’s visibility could extend well into mid-latitude areas, offering a rare treat for those typically too far south to witness this natural phenomenon. It’s an opportunity for photographers and sky watchers alike to capture the Northern Lights in regions where they are seldom seen.
