Topline
A severe geomagnetic storm may impact most of the northern continental U.S. starting Thursday, an event that could affect some critical infrastructure, emergency officials and forecasters said Wednesday, while the aurora borealis may become visible as far south as Alabama. (See the northern lights forecast here.)
The effects of a recent strong solar storm could soon reach Earth, forecasters warned, possibly … [+]
Getty ImagesKey Facts
A geomagnetic storm—caused by a burst of energy and particles released by the sun—is likely to begin as early as Thursday morning and continue through Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
Geomagnetic activity for Thursday is forecast as a G4 storm, the second strongest on NOAA’s scale, the agency said, meaning the geomagnetic storm could have a “severe” impact and the aurora borealis could be “very bright and very active” across the northern U.S., including an area that sweeps from southern Oregon to northern Missouri and as far east as southern New York and Massachusetts.
The storm could pose risks to critical infrastructure, NOAA said, including possible widespread voltage control issues causing power grids to fail, satellite navigation being inaccurate by up to tens of meters and low-frequency radio disruption, among others.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Surprising Fact
It’s possible the geomagnetic storm could intensify, meaning the aurora borealis could become visible as far south as Alabama to northern California, NOAA said.
What To Watch For
New York City Emergency Management said it is monitoring the storm, saying impacts to “GPS, power grids and communications including inaccuracies or disruptions” are possible. The agency also cautioned residents to have an “emergency plan” that includes having an AM radio, and gathering supplies—flashlights, water and non-perishable snacks—in case of a power outage, which NYCEM said was “unlikely.” Though significant impacts to the city are not expected, NYCEM said the geomagnetic storm could cause other issues as its intensity may vary throughout the event, including possibly increased and more frequent voltage problems and inconsistencies with the way satellites operate.
Big Number
Nearly 8,078 miles per second. That’s how quickly the coronal mass ejection—a cloud of “solar material” that becomes a geomagnetic storm on Earth’s surface—traveled from the Sun’s surface toward Earth starting Tuesday, according to NOAA.
Key Background
Geomagnetic storms are a “major disturbance” of Earth’s magnetic field that can occur as solar winds enter Earth’s atmosphere, according to NOAA. In 2022, NASA said geomagnetic activity had exceeded projections during Solar Cycle 25, or the cycle of activity the sun experiences every 11 years. It’s likely the activity will peak sometime in 2025, resulting from an increase in space weather events like solar flares and solar eruptions, according to NASA. These events will likely pose more threats to radio communications, electric power grids and navigation systems while also posing risks to spacecraft and astronauts.
Further Reading
Read the full article here
