Sci-tech

Return of Northern Lights: New solar flare to cause super geomagnetic storm

Astronomy geeks,get ready as more aurora borealis to hit skies in days

By  Web Desk   |  
May 29, 2024
Powerful geomagnetic storm classified as 'Level 5' was last seen in 2003. — Space/File

Brace yourselves, astro geeks, as more strong geomagnetic storms may occur this week, which could trigger blackouts and incredible Northern Light displays.

Earlier this month, the strongest geomagnetic storm of the year, classified as G5, was observed, causing the Northern Lights to be visible as far south as Arizona and Florida in North America, Daily Mail reported.

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The strongest coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in 20 years also caused communications disruptions worldwide.

According to Spaceweather.com, this week, the cluster, dubbed AR3664, is returning with chances of a bigger solar flare.

Last week, the cluster released its biggest X12-class solar flare, which caused a massive coronal mass ejection to explode on the side of the sun facing away from us.

Currently, Sunspot AR3664 is not facing towards the Earth; however, data suggests that it will move in view by the end of this week, unleashing solar storms out towards the planets.

The storms are predicted to generate a level three (R3) radio blackout that may disrupt GPS systems and radio communication and last anywhere from a few minutes to many hours, even if they are not predicted to reach the intensity observed earlier this month.


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