A powerful solar storm began hitting Earth on Monday and could disrupt power grids and satellite operations, while also producing spectacular northern lights in areas where such phenomena are extremely rare, according to U.S. weather authorities.
The geomagnetic storm has been classified as level 4 on a five-point scale, explained Shawn Dahl of the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) in a video statement.
The storm is expected to continue today, albeit with reduced intensity, the Center said.
Although Earth experienced a level 5 geomagnetic storm – the highest on the scale – in 2024 for the first time in 20 years, the current solar storm is the strongest observed “since 2003,” Dahl noted.
In October 2023, the so-called “Halloween” solar storm plunged parts of Sweden into darkness and caused damage to energy infrastructure in South Africa.
Such high-intensity events are rare and are linked to increased solar activity.
According to Dahl, the ongoing storm was triggered by a “strong solar flare that occurred yesterday.”
Ejected solar particles disrupt Earth’s magnetic field, sometimes leading to phenomena such as auroras, degraded high-frequency communications, overloads in power grids, and anomalies in satellite operations.
The current storm may generate auroras in regions where they are highly unusual. U.S. authorities said they could be visible in parts of the United States, as far south as Alabama.
Source: CNA