Solar Storm Hits Earth: Auroras Reach Alabama Amid Power Strain

A Stunning Celestial Display

Colorful auroras could light up the skies in areas like Alabama and Northern California this Thursday evening due to a solar storm. This rare occurrence results from a powerful solar flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun, according to the National Weather Service’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

Severe Solar Storm Conditions

The severe solar storm, initially rated level 4 on a scale of 1 to 5, could disrupt communications, the power grid, and satellite operations. The storm reached Earth at 11:17 a.m. ET on Thursday and may continue through Friday. At 11:49 p.m. ET, scientists noted strong G3 storm conditions, escalating to G4 at 12:57 p.m. ET.

This storm traveled at an impressive speed of 1.5 million miles per hour (about 2.4 million kilometers per hour). It reached the Deep Space Climate Observatory and Advanced Composition Explorer satellites, which measure storm intensity, about 15 to 30 minutes before arriving on Earth.

Solar Storm Hits Earth:

The Impact of Solar Activity

A series of intense X-class solar flares erupted from the sun this week, coinciding with coronal mass ejections. CMEs are large clouds of ionized gas and magnetic fields that can cause geomagnetic storms, impacting Earth’s magnetic field.

“Geomagnetic storms can disrupt infrastructure in orbit and on Earth’s surface,” the Space Weather Prediction Center stated. As a precaution, the center informed the Federal Emergency Management Agency and power grid operators to prepare for possible disruptions.

Historically, G4 storms are common during a solar cycle, but G5 storms, such as the one on May 10, are extremely rare. This storm has a 25% chance of escalating to G5 status.

Increased Solar Activity

As the sun approaches solar maximum—its peak in the 11-year cycle—solar activity intensifies. Researchers have noted a rise in solar flares, leading to stunning auroras, known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) and southern lights (aurora australis). When energized particles from CMEs hit Earth’s magnetic field, they create vibrant lights in the atmosphere.

Scientists believe auroras may appear in central Eastern states and the lower Midwest. However, if the storm escalates to G5, auroras could be visible across southern states and beyond.

How to View Auroras

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends using their aurora dashboard to check visibility in your area. The dashboard updates constantly, providing real-time information on where auroras might appear.

With shorter nights this time of year, the chance of spotting auroras has increased. Sky-gazers in the U.S. recently saw northern lights just an hour or two after sunset. Even if the displays aren’t visible to the naked eye, camera sensors can often capture them.

Potential Disruptions and Future Monitoring

NOAA scientists believe this week’s storm will not surpass the May storm. The last G5 storm occurred in 2003, causing power outages in Sweden and damaging transformers in South Africa.

During the May storm, John Deere reported GPS disruptions for some customers in precision farming. However, power grid and satellite operators managed to keep systems running smoothly.

As solar activity continues to rise, scientists will closely monitor developments. The speed of Tuesday’s CME surprised experts, marking the fastest measured in this solar cycle. However, the peak of solar activity may still be forthcoming.

“We’re still in for a ride with solar activity through this year and into early 2026,” said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Space Weather Prediction Center.

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