‘Earth at risk’ as extreme photo voltaic storms set to set off main ‘blackout’ occasion
Earth is probably in danger, but there is a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in the early hours of Wednesday or on Wednesday night in many parts of the UK
A severe geomagnetic storm is set to hit Earth’s magnetic field which could spark communications blackouts and cause the spectacular northern lights to be visible, boffins have warned. Astronomers say the Sun is going through an active phase experiencing a number of eruptions, called Coronal Mass Ejections, which send solar particles towards the Earth.
The interaction of these particles with the Earth’s atmosphere create the stunning light displays we see in the night sky. The potential severe geomagnetic storms could disrupt radio and GPS communications, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say.
How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the solar bursts get here and how they interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colourful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.
Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.
Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere.
And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.
The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, though when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.
Solar storms can bring more than colourful lights to Earth. When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit.
Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications. In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event.
And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam. Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.
According to the UK Met Office Space Weather forecast, the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights or aurora will be across the northern half of the UK. But there is also a chance in clear skies further south.
Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
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