“Severe geomagnetic storm could spark northern lights as far south as Alabama and northern California tonight”
Heads up, aurora chasers! A robust photo voltaic storm is on the way in which.
Area climate forecasters are warning of a powerful (G3) geomagnetic storm, with an opportunity it might attain extreme (G4) ranges, due to a blast of photo voltaic materials heading straight for Earth. That might imply vibrant northern lights illuminating the night time sky as far south as Oregon, Illinois, and doubtlessly even deeper into mid-latitudes like Alabama and northern California tonight.
The incoming coronal mass ejection (CME) — an unlimited plume of photo voltaic materials — erupted from the solar within the early hours of Could 31, it’s presently hurtling in the direction of us at astonishing speeds.
“Our sun finally aims for Earth!” Area Climate Physicist Tamitha Skov wrote in a post on X. However figuring out the precise time of when the CME will hit is tough as a slower photo voltaic storm in entrance would possibly maintain up the speedy photo voltaic storm behind.
“NASA mannequin predictions present a really quick #solarstorm travelling close to 1000 km/s that would hit Earth by noon June 1. A slower storm forward would possibly trigger a slight visitors delay, however G4-levels by June 2 are attainable,” Skov continues.
Our Solar lastly goals straight for Earth! NASA mannequin predictions present a really quick #solarstorm travelling close to 1000 km/s that would hit Earth by noon June 1. A slower storm forward would possibly trigger a slight visitors delay, however G4-levels by June 2 are attainable. This implies #aurora could also be… pic.twitter.com/vnxoZf1PeBMay 31, 2025
Geomagnetic storms are labeled utilizing a G-scale, which ranks their depth from G1 (minor) to G5 (excessive). The current geomagnetic storm watch that the U.K. Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre issued is rated a G4, indicating “severe” storm situations. NOAA’s Area Climate Prediction Middle has additionally issued a G4-level storm watch with the prediction that G4 ranges might be reached on June 2, with sturdy G2 situations nonetheless attainable on June 3.
CME arrival at Earth is anticipated and a G4 Watch is now in impact for two Jun. CME arrival in a while 1 Jun might result in G3, with G4 potential elevated on 2 Jun, and as CME passage weakens, G1-G2 nonetheless attainable on 3 Jun. Full story at pic.twitter.com/XWAb6H77KwMay 31, 2025
What’s CME?
CMEs are giant eruptions of plasma and magnetic area from the solar; after they collide with Earth’s magnetic area, they will trigger geomagnetic storms that set off auroras, generally seen a lot farther south than common. With this occasion, auroras could also be seen deep into mid-latitudes, making it a must-watch for northern lights fans!
When will the northern lights be seen?
The present predictions present the CME to affect Earth within the early hours of June 1 (UTC), so be sure to maintain your eyes on the skies as quickly because it will get darkish tonight! For the perfect possibilities of seeing the northern lights, head to a darkish location with a great view of the northern horizon.
Get these digital camera batteries charged and people aurora alerts switched on!
The timing of the CME impacts can fluctuate, so it is essential to remain up to date on area climate alerts that present real-time forecasts primarily based in your location. An important possibility is “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” (accessible for iOS and Android). For a deeper dive into area climate situations, “Space Weather Live” is one other wonderful selection (accessible for iOS and Android)
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