Scientists say a massive solar storm will not only cause communication disruptions around the world, but also provide stunning photos of the aurora borealis.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its first advisory.
magnetic storm clock It’s been 20 years since the solar flare that started on Wednesday.
NOAA said the flare appears to be associated with a sunspot believed to be 16 times the diameter of Earth. The group said Friday there was evidence of “significant disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field,” but by the end of the day it had upgraded its forecast to G5, the highest rating for a solar storm.
“This is an unusual event,” NOAA said.
“Shoot a magnet into space.”
The sun’s explosion, called a coronal mass ejection, sends a stream of cosmic particles into space where they collide with Earth’s atmosphere.
NOAA warns that “widespread voltage control problems and protection system problems could occur,” adding that “some power grid systems could experience complete collapse or power outages. The device may be damaged.”
The last solar storm of similar magnitude was recorded in October 2003, resulting in damaged transformers in South Africa and power outages in Sweden.
Auroras can sometimes be seen in areas near the Earth’s north pole, but given the size of solar flares, the atmospheric wonders could be visible as far south as California or Alabama.
The sunspots are so large that they may be visible to the naked eye, but experts say you’ll need to wear eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.
“Essentially the sun [is] Shoot a magnet into space. ” Said Space weather forecaster Bill Murtaugh joins Nexstar.
Eyewitnesses have already posted incredible photos of this natural phenomenon on social media.
“The public should remain well-informed about the progress of the storm,” NOAA said.
The geomagnetic storm will begin on Friday and continue through the weekend.
Here’s the thing about solar storms:
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