On May 12th, Mother’s Day, prepare for a celestial spectacle as auroras light up the skies. The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a warning of severe to extreme geomagnetic storming due to multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) merging. These powerful solar eruptions eject plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona, triggering intense geomagnetic storms. Auroras, a breathtaking display of nature, occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating brilliant ribbons of light that dance across the polar regions. The upcoming geomagnetic storm is expected to enhance auroral activity, potentially making them visible over much of the northern half of the United States, extending as far south as Alabama and north California. While auroras are a captivating sight, geomagnetic storms can also have adverse effects, including disruptions to power grids, degradation of GPS, and interference with high-frequency communications. Recent solar activity has resulted in a strong geomagnetic storm on May 10th, causing power outages and disrupting communications worldwide. As the CME associated with the upcoming storm is expected to impact Earth on May 12th, it is crucial to stay informed about potential effects and take necessary precautions.
Spectacular Auroras Expected on Mother’s Day: NOAA Predicts Intense Geomagnetic Storms
