NOAA Predicts Double CME Strike on Earth, Raising Possibility of Solar Storm and Auroras

A powerful solar event could light up skies and impact Earth’s magnetic environment on April 16, following the forecast of a double coronal mass ejection (CME) strike. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch, warning of moderate to strong geomagnetic activity as solar particles from the Sun head toward Earth.

Double CME Strike May Spark Geomagnetic Storms

Between April 12 and 13, two distinct CMEs erupted from the Sun’s surface, originating from an active sunspot known for recent M-class and X-class solar flares. These CMEs are now en route to Earth and may interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, triggering geomagnetic storms categorized as G2 (moderate) to G3 (strong) by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

Such double CME strikes are rare and can intensify geomagnetic effects due to the compounding of solar particle impact. NOAA and the European Space Agency (ESA) continue to track the storm’s trajectory and potential effects.

Auroras Visible Across U.S. and Europe

One of the most visually striking effects of geomagnetic storms is the formation of auroras—shimmering lights in the sky created by solar particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere. Typically seen near the poles, these auroras may extend farther south due to the strength of the approaching solar storm.

Aurora visibility is expected in:

• Canada

• Northern U.S. states including Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Idaho

• Parts of Northern Europe

Physicist Dr. Tamitha Skov noted that although the solar storm is expected to travel slowly, it carries a dense plasma payload, which “could pack a decent punch.”

What Are CMEs and Why Do They Matter?

Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are massive bursts of solar plasma and magnetic fields that can disrupt Earth’s magnetosphere upon contact. When these charged particles collide with the planet’s magnetic field:

• They produce auroras

• May disrupt satellite communications, including GPS and radio signals

• Can affect power grids by inducing electrical currents

These effects, while often harmless visually, can have significant technological implications for communication and navigation systems.

Solar Activity and Future Predictions

According to Shawn Dahl, NOAA’s service coordinator, the Earth is moving deeper into its current solar cycle, increasing the frequency and intensity of such events. “There is a strong likelihood of more solar activity in the coming months,” Dahl explained.

With solar maximum approaching, scientists and skywatchers can expect more frequent CMEs and aurora sightings, along with heightened vigilance for space weather-related disruptions.