Top 5 Things You Need to Know About This Weekend’s Geomagnetic Storm
* 1. Aurora Alert for Mid-Latitudes. This geomagnetic storm has intensified to G3 (Strong) levels, meaning the Northern Lights could be visible as far south as Oregon, Illinois, and Pennsylvania if skies are clear tonight.
* 2. Power Grid & Satellite Risks. Utility companies in northern regions have been put on standby for voltage irregularities, and satellite operators are closely monitoring for potential disruptions to GPS and communication signals.
* 3. Prime Viewing Window. The most intense activity is expected between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, so step away from bright city lights and look north for the best chance at seeing the vibrant green and purple displays.
* 4. How to Capture It. Your smartphone can actually see the aurora better than your eyes in real-time. Use night mode with a 3-10 second exposure, and keep your phone steady against a wall or tripod.
* 5. Why It’s Happening. A massive coronal mass ejection (CME) from a solar flare erupted from the Sun's surface three days ago, and its high-speed charged particles are now slamming into Earth’s magnetic field, triggering the storm.