Powerful geomagnetic storm to hit tonight making aurora visible in these American states

The stunning light show is in town once again!

Skygazers, brace yourselves for yet another Aurora Edit!


The upcoming aurora edit:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued an urgent geomagnetic storm warning in response to a significant solar event, signaling the possibility of spectacular northern lights displays further south than usual. The current storm conditions are forecasted to reach a G3 level, which is categorized as "strong," with the potential for auroras to be visible as far away as Illinois and Oregon—locations typically situated at a geomagnetic latitude of around 50°.


This anticipated solar activity is linked to a duo of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive bursts of solar plasma and magnetic fields released from the sun. These CMEs resulted from a rare double eruption of solar magnetic filaments that occurred on April 12 and April 13. One of these CMEs has already made contact with Earth's magnetic field, striking at approximately 1 p.m. ET (1700 GMT), and was reported to have arrived ahead of initial expectations. As of now, it's still unclear whether this impact originates from the first CME or if it represents a combination of both ejections.

NOAA employs a G-scale to classify the severity of geomagnetic storms, ranging from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). The recent alert issued by NOAA SWPC reflects G3-level conditions, which are characterized by potential disruptions to power systems, navigation, and communication technologies. In their geomagnetic storm watch announcement, NOAA highlights that while such watches at this intensity are relatively rare, they do occur with some frequency.

When CMEs collide with Earth’s magnetic field, they can unleash geomagnetic storms that produce stunning auroras—a phenomenon where the sky lights up in vibrant colors, often extending far beyond the usual viewing areas. This current event presents an exceptional opportunity for aurora enthusiasts, as the brilliant displays may be visible to those in regions like Oregon and Illinois, far removed from their usual northern habitats. The heightened geomagnetic activity is expected to persist through April 17, offering increasing chances for spectacular night skies in the coming days.


The timing of these CME impacts can vary significantly, making it crucial for enthusiasts and the public alike to remain alert to space weather updates that provide real-time information specific to their geographical location. For individuals eager to track auroras, the "My Aurora Forecast & Alerts" app is an excellent resource, available on both iOS and Android devices. Additionally, "Space Weather Live" offers an in-depth exploration of current atmospheric conditions related to space weather, also accessible on iOS and Android.


What is aurora borealis ?


The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a natural light display in Earth's sky, primarily seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic, caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.

Where it's seen: The aurora borealis is most commonly seen in regions near the Arctic Circle, including countries like Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

When it's seen: The best time to see the aurora borealis is during the winter months, when the nights are long and dark.