Strong solar storm hits Earth, could disrupt communications and produce northern lights in US

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses a strong solar storm that hit Earth, which could disrupt communications and produce northern lights in the United States.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Strong Solar Storm Hits Earth

1. What are the potential effects of the strong solar storm hitting Earth?

• The solar storm could produce northern lights as far south as Alabama and Northern California in the U.S.
• It could potentially disrupt power and communications, as well as affect satellites and navigation services.
• The storm poses a risk for high-voltage transmission lines in power grids, and could scramble or disrupt signals between GPS satellites and ground receivers.

2. How does the strength of this solar storm compare to historical events?

• The most intense solar storm in recorded history occurred in 1859, which prompted auroras as far south as central America and possibly Hawaii.
• While this current storm is not expected to be as severe as the 1859 event, it could come close.

3. How are space agencies and authorities responding to this solar storm?

• NOAA has issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning and alerted operators of power plants and spacecraft in orbit to take precautions.
• NASA said the storm poses no serious threat to the astronauts on the International Space Station, but they are monitoring increased radiation levels and may move the crew to a better shielded part of the station if necessary.
• Several sun-focused spacecraft are also monitoring the solar activity.

[02] Observing the Northern Lights

1. What advice is given for observing the northern lights during this solar storm?

• The northern lights produced by this storm may not be the dramatic curtains of color normally associated with them, but more like splashes of greenish hues.
• Phone cameras may be better at capturing the light than the naked eye, so experts suggest snapping pictures of the sky as there may be a "nice little treat" visible.