Geomagnetic storm alert: Weekend to bring northern lights spectacle
A coronal mass ejection from the Sun will reach us over the weekend. Experts are forecasting the appearance of colourful lights in the night sky and a magnetic storm, particularly as the Sun has now entered a phase of unusual activity.
This coming weekend, Earth might be affected by the impact of a powerful energy explosion on the Sun's surface. Experts predict that the coronal mass ejection (CME) that occurred on 21 January will reach our planet. The Earth's magnetosphere will be struck over the weekend—either from Friday to Saturday or from Saturday to Sunday (25-26 January, GMT).
The aurora will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere
According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, auroras will be visible in parts of the northern hemisphere. Unfortunately, current calculations suggest that it might be challenging to see them in the UK, if at all, only in the parts of the north. We are likely dealing with a weak geomagnetic storm (on the G1 scale).
Even though it will be weak, it may cause disruptions to the power grid, leading to potential issues with satellites and radio blackouts. Although G1 geomagnetic storms are among the weakest, they can bring colourful auroras.
The Sun has entered a phase of unusual activity
If you're unable to see the auroras this weekend, there's no need to worry. All forms of solar weather, including coronal mass ejections, occur more frequently during the Sun's 11-year cycle of activity, known as the solar maximum. Therefore, we can expect several years of increased solar activity, likely peaking in 2025.
During such a maximum, solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME) become more frequent, and auroras could be visible even at lower latitudes, such as in the UK.
The phenomenon of auroras occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with the Earth's magnetic field. These particles travel along the lines of the magnetosphere towards the Earth's north and south poles, and when they collide with atmospheric molecules, they excite them, leading to the emission of colourful light. The colours are determined by the type of particles and the altitude at which the phenomenon occurs.
To enjoy the auroras, you should observe them away from sources of artificial light. Although you don't need binoculars or a telescope, a smartphone screen can help capture clearer colours, as it is more sensitive to light than the human eye.
