Massive Solar Storm Results in Magnificent Views of Northern Lights; Officials Warn of Possible Electronic Disruptions
Scientists say that a massive solar storm will lead to communications disruptions across the globe as well as magnificent photographs of the Northern Lights.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the first geomagnetic storm watch in 20 years over the solar flares that began on Wednesday.
The northern lights, as seen from Georgetown Township.
It’s my first time ever. How incredible. pic.twitter.com/jpU37TkQXC
— Blake Harms (@wxblakeharms) May 11, 2024
NOAA said the flares appear to be associated with a sunspot that is believed to be 16 times the diameter of the Earth. On Friday, the organization said there was evidence of “major disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field,” but by the end of the day, they elevated their projection to G5, the highest for solar storms. . .
The solar eruptions are called coronal mass ejections and send streams of cosmic particles into space that collide with the Earth’s atmosphere.
This is the northern lights visible tonight in Switzerland.
Strongest it has been in over 20 years… so beautiful pic.twitter.com/qibOETqzA2
— Brian BJ (@iamBrianBJ) May 11, 2024
“Widespread voltage control problems and protective system problems can occur,” read a warning from NOAA. “Some grid systems may experience complete collapse or blackouts. Transformers may experience damage.” (Read more from “Massive Solar Storm Results in Magnificent Views of Northern Lights; Officials Warn of Possible Electronic Disruptions” HERE)
