Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Sudden Geomagnetic Storm Hitting Earth Tonight
- A massive coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun is set to slam into Earth's magnetic field, creating a geomagnetic storm that could trigger stunning auroras visible as far south as Alabama and California tonight.
- Scientists at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center have issued a G3 (Strong) alert, warning of potential power grid irregularities and disruptions to satellite navigation systems like GPS.
- For skywatchers, the key to spotting the Northern Lights is to head away from city lights, look north after midnight, and use a smartphone camera in night mode to capture colors invisible to the naked eye.
- While this storm is not expected to cause widespread damage, it could temporarily knock out radio communications for emergency services and airline pilots over high-latitude regions.
- To stay safe, charge your backup devices, keep a portable radio handy, and avoid using your car's GPS for critical travel directions until the storm passes in 24 to 48 hours.