(NEXSTAR) — The sun, currently in an active phase of solar cycle 25, emitted another powerful flare over the weekend, providing another chance for aurora viewing in parts of the U.S.
On Saturday, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center reported that a solar flare of magnitude X4.5 had been detected. The agency said Share Flare VideoIt shows the moment when the Sun appears to be spitting out solar material.
X-class flares are the strongest class of events ever measured by space weather experts, with the largest recorded to date being the X45 flare observed in 2003. On December 21, 2023, SWPC recorded an X5 flare, the strongest class since the X8.2 flare in 2017.
Saturday's spike was described as “unusual but not necessarily abnormal,” the SWPC said. said A strong geomagnetic storm of magnitude G3 is likely to occur between Sunday and Monday.
Distributor Warned Some users of the high frequency communication band (Like an emergency managerNASA's SpaceX satellites could notice “significant degradation or loss of signal.” The agency also acknowledged that power systems, spacecraft, navigation and GPS systems could be affected — all areas that experts say are prepared for such an event. The storm could also bring bright lights to the Northern Lights.
The Aurora Borealis is caused by plasma and magnetic material released when the Sun strikes the magnetic field, sending particles streaming towards the poles. When these particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere, they create excess energy that appears to us as an explosion of light. The colours we see depend on the gases involved and where the action is taking place.
A G3 storm is in the middle of the five-point scale that the SWPC uses to measure geomagnetic storms caused by solar flares. Storms of this strength have been known to bring auroras as far as Illinois and Oregon, and SWPC forecasts suggest that this storm may do just that.
According to the SWPC forecast below, the aurora may be visible Sunday night in at least 22 states: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
The red areas have the highest chance of seeing the Northern Lights, while the green areas have the lowest chance. Areas near the red line, the so-called viewing line, may be able to see the Northern Lights along the northern horizon, but you may need to rely on your smartphone to see it.
According to SWPC (Southwest Person Congress Center)The strongest storm (and likely the best time to see the Northern Lights) will begin around 1 a.m. on Monday, before picking up around 4 a.m. Unfortunately, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights will decrease as the sun gets higher.
SWPC forecasts that conditions will weaken through Monday night, but may still be strong enough to cause aurora sightings as far north as Iowa and southern Wisconsin. However, because space weather forecasts can change quickly, conditions for aurora viewing may improve on Monday night.
We also know that solar activity is likely to continue for the next year or two. The sun is moving through an active pattern.Solar cycle 25It reverses the poles.Near the peak of the 11-year cycleResearchers expect to see even more powerful solar storms in the future, and hopefully even more intense aurora displays.
