A potent solar storm hitting Earth has the potential to illuminate the skies with northern lights across the U.S. this weekend, accompanied by concerns of disruptions to power and communication systems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning after a solar outburst arrived earlier than expected on Friday afternoon. These effects are projected to persist through the weekend and possibly into the following week, prompting precautionary measures from operators of power plants, spacecraft, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
While NOAA forecasts that the storm could generate northern lights as far south as Alabama and Northern California, experts caution that these displays may not manifest as vivid curtains of color but rather as splashes of greenish hues. Rob Steenburgh from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center suggests that phone cameras may capture these phenomena better than the naked eye, offering a potential visual treat for observers. However, the storm’s intensity raises concerns about potential impacts on high-voltage transmission lines, satellites, navigation systems, and communication services.
Historically, extreme solar storms have led to power outages, damaged infrastructure, and disruptions to satellite operations. Although the current storm isn’t expected to reach the severity of past events, NOAA emphasizes the need for vigilance and preparedness. Despite the potential challenges posed by the solar activity, NASA assures that the International Space Station (ISS) and its crew are safe, with contingency plans in place to mitigate any increased radiation levels. Monitoring efforts by sun-focused spacecraft remain crucial in understanding and managing the impacts of solar storms on Earth and space-based technologies.