Aurora alert: Northern lights expected to intensify as solar storms reach Earth

A series of solar storms is set to deliver a powerful celestial display on December 8, potentially pushing the northern lights much farther south than usual.

As forecasted by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s space weather prediction center and the U.K Met Office, several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are expected to reach Earth majorly increasing geomagnetic activity.

The faster of the approaching CMEs could intensify conditions to strong (G3) geomagnetic storm levels by December 9.

This has prompted the U.K. Met Office to issue a G3 geomagnetic storm watch from Monday night through Tuesday.

If the storms deliver as predicted, auroras could be visible at unusually low latitudes, potentially reaching parts of the northern United States, Canada, and Scotland.

The northern lights follow a week of active but more moderate space weather.

While auroral activity remained at higher latitudes earlier in the week, forecasters have been tracking the incoming solar material.

Experts suggest skywatchers in suitable regions to track conditions overnight and to keep camera equipment ready, as the intensity and visibility of the display will depend on the precise timing and strength of the solar storms.