Top 5 things you need to know about the geomagnetic storm lighting up the sky
- A powerful geomagnetic storm, rated G4 on the scale, is hitting Earth right now, potentially disrupting power grids and GPS systems while creating a spectacular Northern Lights show visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
- Scientists warn the storm could impact satellite operations and high-frequency radio communications, so expect possible cell service glitches or flight delays over the next 24 to 48 hours as the solar particles interact with our magnetic field.
- This event was triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun, which launched a cloud of charged particles toward our planet at speeds exceeding 1.5 million miles per hour, making this the strongest storm since the famous 2003 event.
- To catch the aurora, head to a dark spot away from city lights and look north after sunset; your smartphone camera may capture the colors even if they're faint to the naked eye, so snap a photo for a better view.
- Don't panic, but stay informed: charge your devices and have a backup plan for electronics, as these storms can cause voltage swings in the power grid, though officials say they're ready to manage any disruptions.