Earth has been struck by a severe geomagnetic storm after another round of explosions on the Sun. This comes after an intense episode of solar flares coupled with the expulsion of charged solar particles called the coronal mass ejection.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, the CME slammed into Earth at around 8:45 pm IST last night resulting in a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm.
UPDATE! CME passage intensified; things are favorable for G4 levels to potentially continue into night hours. Keep space weather aware at for the latest. We take actions to notify officials and critical infrastructure operators, so you can enjoy the aurora pic.twitter.com/uvZ7Ju0ps8
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) October 10, 2024
“G4 levels reached again! CME progression will continue overnight with periods of weakening and some escalation possible in geomagnetic storm levels. The G4 Watch remains in effect for 11 Oct and all applicable warnings remain in place,” it stated on X.
A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field and the solar particles that cause it can impact power grids, GPS and radio communication systems and satellites in orbit. The NOAA has said that the geomagnetic storm can also reach to G5 levels if the solar activity continues.
ALSO SEE: Brilliant Red Auroras Cover US Skies After Geomagnetic Storm; Pictures Surface
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP
ODENTON, MD 😭💜
Taken between 7:20p to 7:45p ET pic.twitter.com/Qno4yHNOcp
— Carina ☀️ Alden (@SpaceWxRina) October 10, 2024
ITS LITERALLY OVERHEAD IN MARYLAND THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/R9mLOKM9fN
— Space Weather Watch (@spacewxwatch) October 10, 2024
Aurora pictures from the UK! 🩷💜💚 Thanks to my family in Worcestershire/Herefordshire 🌞 pic.twitter.com/jk3x4Iwxhi
— Emma Davies (@SpaceDavies) October 10, 2024
Northern Lights success from Colorado tonight! To me, the view below didn’t quite compare to the May 2024 geomagnetic storm (from similar latitude), but it was amazing to see these deep reds with the naked eye. pic.twitter.com/JzYZVcMh7H
— Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) October 11, 2024
What is even happening right now? I feel like I am having a religious experience – or an alien abduction. Not sure which. #aurora pic.twitter.com/vgDUP0YUC9
— Dr David Boyce (@DrDavidBoyce) May 10, 2024
Auroras boreales en el cielo de A Costa da Morte en Galicia pic.twitter.com/B0BFIZuyd6
— Fandi🇪🇦 (@adri_tbv) October 11, 2024
Tonight is the second time this year we witnessed the #northernlights in Key Largo, Florida. It’s extremely rare to see the aurora so far south. These photos were taken from Latitude 25°6′24″N pic.twitter.com/7uGx1sEohl
— Mike Theiss (@MikeTheiss) October 11, 2024
On the bright side, residents in Canada, the U.S and the U.K among other European nations are getting mesmerised by auroras that have been triggered in the polar regions. Many posted pictures of the brightly lit skies in pink and green hues on social media.
Interestingly, the auroras that are normally limited to the polar regions were seen as far as Florida. This surprisingly happened before Hurricane Milton took over with devastating winds and rains.
ALSO SEE: NASA Releases Pictures Of Explosions On The Sun As Auroras Amaze Skywatchers
(Image: X)
