10-10-2024

NOAA Alert: "Severe" solar storm has impacted Earth

Earth.com staff writer

Update — October 10, 2024, 11:02 AM Eastern Time

The anticipated coronal mass ejection (CME) arrived at Earth at 11:15am EDT at nearly 1.5 million miles per hour. Scientists as the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) observed G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storming levels.

G4 (Severe) levels remain likely with the watch still in effect and even a slight chance of G5 (Extreme) levels due to initial observations of the CME strength. Updates will continue as conditions are met with Alerts issued accordingly.

This storm could impact ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in several critical ways:

Communications: Systems that depend on low-Earth orbit satellites or High-Frequency communication may experience disruptions.

Power grids: The storm could put additional stress on power grids already weakened by the hurricanes.

GPS services: Navigation systems, especially those relied upon in disaster relief, may be degraded.

SWPC has already updated FEMA and several state agencies involved in recovery operations.

When skies are clear, the aurora (Northern Lights) could be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California tonight.

Update — October 10, 2024, 7:02 AM Eastern Time

This Thursday evening could be an unusual one for sky-watchers across the United States. Thanks to a powerful solar flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME) unleashed by the sun, the northern lights — or aurora borealis — might be visible far beyond their usual haunts.

Space weather forecasters have issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Thursday, October 10 into Friday, October 11, 2024. Geomagnetic storm conditions are likely to subside by Saturday, October 12.

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), this solar storm is expected to illuminate skies as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill solar event, either. It’s classified as a G4, or severe solar storm, on a scale that tops out at G5.

And with the storm’s energetic particles racing toward Earth at a jaw-dropping speed of over 2.5 million miles per hour, this phenomenon is expected to reach our planet between early morning and noon Eastern Time on Thursday. If conditions are right, the auroras could last into Friday.

Behind the auroras

Auroras are the result of solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. When a CME reaches Earth, these particles get caught in our planet’s magnetic field, spiraling down toward the poles where they encounter atmospheric gases.

The collisions produce bursts of colorful lights that paint the sky in hues of green, red, purple, and more.

Usually, you’d need to travel closer to the poles — think Alaska or Canada — to catch a glimpse of these magical lights. But during intense solar storms, these glowing curtains can sometimes reach latitudes much farther south.

With the potential of this storm escalating to a G5, even more areas could witness the light show. The last time a G5 storm occurred in May, auroras were visible as far south as the southern United States.

A severe geomagnetic storm includes the potential for aurora to be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

Potential solar storm impacts

This type of solar activity can disrupt daily life in subtle but significant ways. A storm of this magnitude has the potential to interfere with radio signals, power grids, and satellites.

The good news is that power companies, satellite operators, and airlines are usually prepared for these events, taking necessary precautions to mitigate any impacts.

That said, most people won’t notice much difference, aside from the potential communication delays or slight GPS interference.

SWPC scientists are closely monitoring the situation, tracking the solar storm with satellite systems located about a million miles from Earth.

While they can predict the storm’s arrival, its exact impact will only be known when it reaches those monitoring satellites.

Catching the aurora show

While the exact regions where auroras might appear aren’t set in stone, experts are optimistic about a good show across the central and eastern United States, particularly in lower Midwestern states.

Plus, with nightfall coming earlier in autumn, sky-gazers have a better chance of seeing the auroras shortly after sunset. In areas free from city lights, dark skies could enhance the viewing experience.

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of this rare sight, make plans to head outside just after dark on Thursday evening.

The farther you are from light pollution, the better your chances of seeing these ribbons of color light up the sky. And don’t forget your camera — an aurora this far south doesn’t come around often!

Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBh5-uB77ns to view today’s recorded Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) webinar media briefing. This is a recording of the live briefing and the follow-up questions and answers.

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G4 “Severe” solar storm watch

According to scientists at the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) reveal that, on October 8, 2024, the Sun’s surface witnessed a significant and fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME).

*A fast coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun the evening of October, 8, 2024, and is likely to arrive at Earth on October 10, 2024. Credit: NASA*

Speeding between approximately 745 and 807 miles per second, this CME is slated to reach Earth on October 10th.

A CME resembles an expansive bubble of gas filled with magnetic field lines, expelled from the Sun. This bubble, when it reaches us, could interact with Earth’s magnetic field, possibly causing a geomagnetic storm.

Geomagnetic solar storms: The basics

Geomagnetic storms are disturbances in Earth’s magnetic atmosphere caused by solar wind and CMEs. They range from G1 (Minor) to G5 (Extreme) on a classification scale.

The imminent CME has the power to initiate a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm upon landing.

What’s noteworthy is the potential impact of a G4 storm on our lives.

Voltage irregularities may occur in power systems, protective equipment might involuntarily shutdown key assets.

Satellite navigation and radio communications might suffer, particularly in higher latitudes.

Pipelines could fall prey to induced currents.

Solar radiation activity

As we brace for the geomagnetic storm, a strong solar radiation storm, classified as S3, began on — you guessed it — October 9th.

These kinds of storms happen when the Sun ejects a significant burst of energetic particles, primarily protons, hurtling towards Earth.

The ramification of an S3 radiation storm can include satellite operations being impacted and increased radiation levels for passengers and crew on high-altitude, polar flights.

Airlines sometimes reroute flights to lower altitudes or more southerly routes to lessen exposure.

Dazzling comet joins the solar circus

Adding an element of spectacle to this celestial drama, Comet C/2023 A3, also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is making its grand appearance.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) came into view of the NASA/SOHO Coronagraph on October 7, 2024. The comet's appearance coincided with an X2.1 (R3-Strong) flare and a pair of coronal mass ejections (CME). The comet will continue to pass from the right to the top left of the Sun into October 10th before it moves out of view by October 11th. Credit: NASA — Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) came into view of the NASA/SOHO Coronagraph on October 7, 2024. The comet’s appearance coincided with an X2.1 (R3-Strong) flare and a pair of coronal mass ejections (CME). The comet will continue to pass from the right to the top left of the Sun into October 10th before it moves out of view by October 11th. Credit: NASA

This spectacle became visible to NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOH O) on October 7, 2024 and will stay on our radars until around October 11, 2024.

Interestingly, the comet’s debut coincides with an X-class solar flare — an X2.1 flare, to be precise — and a couple of CMEs.

You might imagine that the comet prompted these solar happenings, but it’s simply cosmic choreography.

Impacts you can see

One of the most tangible results of geomagnetic storms is auroras, the Northern and Southern Lights.

With a G4 storm, auroras might light up skies much further south than usual, maybe as far as Alabama and northern California.

If you’re yearning for this natural light spectacle, it’s best to find a dark spot free from city lights on the nights of October 10th and 11th.

Keep tabs on local aurora forecasts and remember, the most splendid displays often occur in the late evening to early morning hours.

Staying ahead of the cosmic curve

While these space weather events are enthralling, they can also have tangible impacts.

Power companies, airlines, and satellite operators are keeping a vigilant eye on the situation to mitigate any potential disruptions.

How can you join in?

Stay tuned to updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).

They offer real-time updates and forecasts about space weather events that might influence your day-to-day life.

Solar storms, comets, and skywatching

Our Sun is showing us once again that it’s an active and occasionally unpredictable acquaintance.

Whether you’re a casual skywatcher or just intrigued by how these events might influence your life, it’s a splendid time to gaze upwards and appreciate the wonders of our cosmic neighborhood.

So, snuggle into a warm jacket, locate a cozy spot under the night sky, and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to glimpse the auroras dancing above.

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