A powerful solar storm, the most intense in over two decades, hit Earth on Friday, creating spectacular natural light displays across the globe from Tasmania to Britain. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this storm could potentially disrupt satellite operations and power grids as it continues through the weekend.
The storm began with a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun around 1600 GMT, leading NOAA to classify it as an “extreme” geomagnetic event—the first of such severity since the Halloween Storms of 2003, which caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage in Sweden and South Africa. Additional CMEs are anticipated in the coming days, maintaining the threat level.
Social media platforms have been flooded with images and stories of the auroras visible in northern Europe and Australasia, a testament to the storm’s widespread impact. In England, residents like Iain Mansfield have taken the opportunity to observe the Northern Lights directly from their homes, while in Tasmania, photographers like Sean O’Riordan have captured stunning images of the night skies.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, noted the pressures faced by the Starlink satellite fleet, which consists of about 5,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. Despite the challenges, the satellites are holding up so far.
Authorities have warned of possible technological disruptions due to the storm’s impact on Earth’s magnetic field, prompting precautions among satellite operators, airlines, and power grid managers.
Geomagnetic storms, unlike solar flares, move slower, allowing some preparation time. This storm originated from a vast sunspot cluster on the Sun, which is currently nearing the peak of its 11-year activity cycle.
Experts like Mathew Owens, a space physics professor, suggest that the public take advantage of this celestial phenomenon safely. “If you can see the aurora, it’s quite spectacular,” Owens mentioned, advising people to use opportunities like tonight to witness this event.
The potential for wider disruptions includes effects on spacecraft due to increased radiation and induced currents in power lines, which can lead to electrical issues and blackouts. Even wildlife, such as pigeons that rely on biological compasses, may be affected.
As the solar storm persists, NOAA and other agencies continue to monitor its impacts, recommending that the public prepare for possible power outages and maintain emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, and radios.
