03-26-2024

Update: Severe solar storm warning, auroras possible as far south as Alabama

Earth.com staff writer

A significant geomagnetic solar storm is currently in progress, sparked by recent solar eruptions that have hurled plasma towards Earth.

This atmospheric phenomenon is set to illuminate skies with the Northern Lights, extending unusually far south to regions including Alabama and Northern California as early as Monday.

NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center Update

March 25, 2024 at 6:00 AM Eastern Time

The watch for a G3 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm, triggered by the CME that left the Sun on March 23, is still in place.

Despite this, there’s an observed weakening in conditions, reducing the likelihood of surpassing G3 intensity.

The solar wind conditions remain heightened, and even minor changes in the magnetic field could escalate the situation back to G3 severity.

As a result, forecasters will maintain the G3 alert through the end of the Universal Time (UT) day before adjusting the forecast to anticipate G1 (Minor) storm effects.

Space Weather Scale explanation

If you’re not already acquainted with it, the Geomagnetic K-index is a scale that quantifies the intensity of geomagnetic storms.

Within the NOAA Space Weather Scale, a system established to classify the intensity of space weather phenomena, there are five categories for geomagnetic storms, ranging from G1 (Minor) to G5 (Extreme).

Each category outlines specific possible effects on Earth’s infrastructure and natural environment.

Keep an eye on the Space Weather Prediction Center for more information as this geomagnetic storm, the largest since 2017, continues to dissipate.

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March 25, 2024 at 6:00 AM Eastern Time

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns of an extended period of heightened geomagnetic activity, known as a Geomagnetic K-index of 5.

This event has potential impacts on power grids, satellite operations, and could make the Aurora visible at higher latitudes in the United States.

Space Weather Scale explanation

For those unfamiliar with the term, the Geomagnetic K-index is a scale used to measure the magnitude of geomagnetic storms.

The NOAA Space Weather Scale, a framework designed to categorize the severity of space weather events, details five levels of geomagnetic storms, G1 (Minor) to G5 (Extreme), each with distinct potential impacts on Earth’s infrastructure and environment.

Current storm downgraded to G2

The severity of the current event, classified as G2 with potential to increase again to the G4 level today, March 25, 2024. Geomagnetically induced currents could pose widespread challenges to voltage control systems.

This could potentially trigger protective measures that inadvertently disconnect crucial components of the power grid. Additionally, these currents may amplify in pipelines, further complicating the situation.

Understanding the implications

The implications of this increased geomagnetic activity are wide-ranging and can affect various aspects of our planet’s operations. The area most directly impacted is primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Here’s a breakdown of the potential impacts, as outlined by the SWPC:

Induced Currents: Weak power grid fluctuations may occur as a result of the geomagnetic disturbance. This can lead to minor disruptions in power supply, highlighting the sensitivity of our infrastructure to space weather events.
Spacecraft Operations: Satellites in space could face minor operational impacts. While not immediately threatening, these impacts could affect communication and navigation systems that rely on satellite technology.
Aurora Visibility: Perhaps the most visually stunning effect of this geomagnetic activity is the potential visibility of the Aurora, or Northern Lights, at high latitudes in the United States. Regions such as northern Michigan and Maine could witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon, offering a silver lining to the geomagnetic storm.

Extended geomagnetic storm warning — Stay alert

While the current geomagnetic activity poses some challenges, it also provides a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the Aurora in parts of the U.S. where it’s rarely seen. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of space and Earthly phenomena, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preparing for space weather events.

As we continue to navigate the effects of this geomagnetic activity, staying informed and prepared is key. Whether it’s by keeping an eye on power grid operations or looking up into the night sky in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Aurora, understanding the implications of these space weather events is essential for both practical purposes and appreciating the natural wonders of our universe.

Visit the Space Weather Prediction Center for more information.

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March 24, 2024 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time

In an urgent communication dated March 24, 2024, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) announced a significant geomagnetic disturbance, marking a severe escalation in space weather conditions.

The issued alert highlighted a Geomagnetic K-index of 8, teetering on 9, a threshold that was crossed at 1628 UTC, within the synoptic period of 1500-1800 UTC.

This event has activated a severe (G4) warning on the NOAA Space Weather Scale, indicative of intense geomagnetic activity with potential wide-reaching impacts on both technology and natural phenomena.

Space Weather Scale explanation

The scale, which is thoroughly explained on the SWPC’s website, serves as a critical tool for understanding and preparing for the effects of space weather phenomena.

Current storm is a G4

The severity of the current event, classified as G4, suggests significant disturbances. Geomagnetically induced currents could pose widespread challenges to voltage control systems, potentially triggering protective measures that inadvertently disconnect crucial components of the power grid. Additionally, these currents may amplify in pipelines, further complicating the situation.

Spacecraft and satellite warnings

Spacecraft operations are also under threat, with increased risks of surface charging, which can damage satellite components.

Low Earth orbit satellites may face enhanced drag, affecting their trajectories and complicating tracking and orientation tasks.

These conditions not only disrupt satellite functionality but also impair services reliant on these satellites, including navigation and communication.

Auroras will be seen further south

One of the more visible consequences of such geomagnetic storms is the enhancement of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, which could potentially be observed as far south as Alabama and northern California, a rare spectacle for residents in these areas.

This phenomenon, while stunning, underscores the reach and power of the geomagnetic activity currently at play.

Navigation system impact

Moreover, the event is expected to severely impact navigation systems, with satellite-based navigation (GPS) services facing degradation or complete outages lasting hours.

This poses significant risks for sectors reliant on precise location services, including aviation, maritime navigation, and emergency response operations.

Communications systems at risk

Communication systems are not spared, as high-frequency (HF) radio signals, essential for long-distance communication without the reliance on satellite or wired networks, may experience sporadic performance or complete blackouts.

This disruption affects not only amateur radio enthusiasts but also professional networks that depend on HF radio, including aviation, maritime, and some military operations.

Visit the Space Weather Prediction Center for more information.

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Geomagnetic storm warning issued (11:00 AM Eastern Time)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) heightened awareness with a Geomagnetic Storm Alert on Sunday.

This followed the detection of an X 1.1 solar flare and a subsequent coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS) by Sun-monitoring satellites.

Auroras may be seen as far south as Alabama

Auroras, both Northern and Southern Lights, are the mesmerizing result of solar particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere. Initially, space experts anticipated the storm’s intensity to fluctuate between a G1 and G2 level, potentially escalating to G3 by Monday.

Contrary to these predictions, a severe G4 level storm has materialized within the last 24 hours, showcasing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of space weather.

The SWPC employs a five-point scale to classify geomagnetic storms, where a G1 rating indicates the mildest form of storm, typically yielding aurora displays over Alaska and Canada.

A storm reaching a G3 level could make the aurora visible in states like Washington, Wisconsin, and New York, provided the skies are clear. However, with the current G4 severity, the phenomenon could be observed as far south as Alabama and Northern California, a rare occurrence for these latitudes.

Geomagnetic intensity scale

The geomagnetic activity’s intensity is also gauged by ground-based magnetometers and measured on the Kp index scale, which spans from 0 to 9.

A previous G3 event recorded a high Kp-index, allowing the Northern Lights to dazzle observers as far south as Las Vegas last December.

Predictions for the current storm suggest a Kp-index of at least 6, potentially bringing the aurora within view for cities including Seattle, Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Syracuse, New York.

Solar Cycle 25 and its continued impact

Echoing these forecasts, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute anticipates heightened aurora activity reaching a Kp-6 level through Monday night. Despite the awe-inspiring displays, the SWPC reassures the public of no adverse impacts from the storm.

“There’s no need for concern, but we encourage everyone to stay informed about the storm’s progression by visiting our website,” the SWPC advised on Sunday.

The task of predicting the precise intensity of geomagnetic activity remains a complex challenge for space experts, compounded by the increasing frequency of such events.

This uptick in geomagnetic storms is attributed to the Sun entering the peak phase of its 11-year solar cycle, a period marked by the magnetic field’s reversal.

Solar Cycle 25, which commenced in 2019, is expected to continue until approximately 2030, indicating a period of heightened solar and geomagnetic activity ahead.

Visit the Space Weather Prediction Center for more information.

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