Significant solar activity, expected to impact Earth from May 10, 2024, could disrupt communication and navigation systems but also allow for rare sights of the Northern Lights far south of their usual locations.
A series of intense solar storms, triggered by significant solar flare activity from a large sunspot labeled AR3664, is expected to impact Earth from Friday, May 10, 2024, through the weekend. The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch, highlighting potential disruptions to power grids, communication networks, and navigation systems across various regions.
The sunspot, measuring about 124,000 miles in width, has been active, generating powerful X-class solar flares directed towards Earth. This extraordinary solar activity has been compared to historically significant events such as the 1859 Carrington event.
Despite the potential challenges, the geomagnetic storm may lead to visible displays of the Northern Lights across much of the northern hemisphere, including unusual southern visibility in areas such as Alabama and Northern California. In the UK, clear skies could allow visibility across the entire country, with the best opportunities in Scotland, Northern England, and Ireland.
Observers in the United States, particularly in states like North Dakota, New York, and Washington, may also experience the aurora borealis. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has noted that this is the first geomagnetic watch of this scale issued since 2005, indicating the rarity and significance of the current solar events.
Residents interested in viewing the Northern Lights are advised to find locations with dark and clear skies, away from city lights. The public is encouraged to monitor updates from NOAA for further information and safety tips concerning the ongoing solar storm.
