A major solar storm is expected to slam into Earth tonight, potentially causing vibrant Northern Lights displays but also raising concerns about possible power outages.
Scientists are calling the event a ‘cannibal’ solar storm, which takes place when one massive cloud of charged particles ejected from the sun overtakes and merges with an earlier solar blast, creating an even stronger impact on Earth’s magnetic field.
There’s a chance this geomagnetic storm could reach level G3 (strong) early Tuesday morning and a small possibility it turns into a ‘severe’ G4 storm, which could increase the risk of power disruptions in the northern half of the US.
Specifically, the storm could affect local power grids by causing voltage fluctuations or transformer damage, and it may even disrupt radio signals, GPS, and satellite communication.
Meanwhile, the Northern Lights may be visible in 18 US states, including Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington.
Others as far south as Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wyoming also have a chance to see an aurora during the overnight hours.
The best time to see the Northern Lights will come between 2 am and 5 am ET Tuesday morning, when the storm is expected to peak over the Northern Hemisphere.
While power outages are unlikely, a strong (G3) or severe (G4) storm could cause minor grid issues in high-latitude areas, with a low risk of localized blackouts.
Eighteen states are expected to be in the path of a major ‘cannibal’ solar storm in the early hours of Tuesday morning
Solar storms produce auroras, also known as the Northern Lights, with stronger storms giving viewers better chances of seeing them (Stock Image)
A geomagnetic storm takes place when the sun ejects particles, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), and they hit Earth’s magnetic field, making it shake or wobble.
Think of it like a strong wind hitting a flagpole. The scale of these storm ranges from G1 (minor, like a light breeze) to G5 (extreme, like a hurricane).
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center revealed that the solar event is expected to begin Monday night as a G1 (minor) to G2 (moderate) storm, but conditions will likely worsen after midnight.
‘Periods of G3 (Strong) storming are likely, with a chance for G4 (Severe) storm periods, as CME effects persist,’ NOAA officials warned in their latest forecast.
The ‘cannibal’ solar storm is also expected to shower the Earth with solar radiation, or high-energy particles known as protons jettisoned by the sun.
Monday and Tuesday’s event is only expected to be an S1 radiation storm, meaning it’ll be like a light rain of particles which isn’t dangerous for people on the ground but could affect satellites or astronauts in space.
Solar flares like this also send out X-rays that can mess up radio signals on Earth. R1-R2 (minor to moderate) might cause spotty radio or GPS signals, while R3 (strong) could cause bigger disruptions, like losing radio contact for a short time.
NOAA warned that there’s a 20 percent chance the storm produces R3 or stronger disruptions to local radio signals throughout the northern US.
The solar storm striking Earth is believed to be a combination of two coronal mass ejections sent out by the sun in recent days (Stock Image)
A ‘cannibal’ solar storm takes place when a faster-moving coronal mass ejection overtakes and emerges with a slower one
For most people, especially those further south in the US, you likely won’t notice any effects tonight or tomorrow morning.
However, Americans might see noticeable auroras (Northern Lights) if they’re in the northern parts of the 18 states within the solar storm’s path.
To improve your chances of seeing an aurora, go to a dark location away from city lights, face north, and use a space weather app for real-time updates.
Power companies regularly take note of these forecasts and usually take steps to prevent problems, such as adjusting their grid settings.
If you rely on sensitive electronics or live in a high-latitude area, it’s recommended that you have a flashlight or backup power ready, just in case the storm is stronger than expected.
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