Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Solar Fireworks Hitting Earth Tonight
- A massive geomagnetic storm is currently barreling toward our planet after the Sun unleashed a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) directly at Earth. This could trigger dazzling auroras visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
- The storm is rated a G3 (Strong) on the NOAA scale, meaning it has the potential to disrupt satellite orbits, GPS signals, and radio communications. Power grid operators are on alert for voltage fluctuations.
- The peak viewing window for skywatchers is predicted to hit between 10 PM and 2 AM local time. For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, get away from city lights and look toward the northern horizon.
- Space weather experts warn that high-frequency radio blackouts are possible in polar regions, which could affect airlines and maritime shipping routes. Pilots have been issued special briefings.
- This is the strongest geomagnetic event in over nine months, largely because the Sun is ramping up toward the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Don't expect this to be the last dramatic storm of the year.