A massive Geomagnetic storm is currently hitting Earth after a series of intense Solar flares . The storm has caused the northern lights to intensify , creating mesmerizing displays across regions in the United States and Canada . The storm , classified as a G4 – class , was detected by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ‘s Space Weather Prediction Center on Monday . This severe storm had the potential to make auroras visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
Following the G4 – class storm , the conditions weakened to a G2 – class storm , making the northern lights visible from regions in the upper United States . The storm is expected to continue through at least Tuesday evening . This recent activity was triggered by solar particles expelled by the sun during a series of explosive coronal mass ejections that also accompanied several solar flares . When these charged solar particles reach Earth , they interact with the planet ‘s magnetic field to create the glowing auroras seen in the sky.
Auroras , known as the aurora borealis in the Northern Hemisphere and aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere , are a natural phenomenon caused by solar particles interacting with Earth ‘s atmosphere . This weekend , another coronal mass ejection is expected to hit Earth , potentially triggering a minor to moderate geomagnetic storm . This storm could disrupt satellite operations and push the northern lights to lower latitudes than usual . The incoming solar eruption is expected to make auroras visible in states along the U.S.-Canada border.
Solar flares , CMEs , and auroras are more common during the solar maximum , the peak of the sun ‘s 11 – year activity cycle . Scientists initially predicted that the current cycle ‘s peak would begin in 2025 , but recent signs suggest that it may already be upon us . This means that there will be more opportunities to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the northern lights in the coming months . So , if you ‘re hoping to catch a glimpse of this natural light show , keep an eye out for upcoming aurora sightings and be ready to witness the magic of the night sky.
