'Severe' geomagnetic storm could make northern lights visible in southern US
ABC News • • nation
Key Points:
- A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the sun, occurring on Sunday, is expected to reach Earth within 24 hours, potentially triggering a strong geomagnetic storm with auroras visible as far south as Alabama and northern California.
- The geomagnetic storm could reach G3 (strong) or G4 (severe) levels, which may cause power system voltage corrections, satellite navigation disruptions, radio frequency issues, and spacecraft operational challenges.
- Northern lights occur when solar flares interact with Earth's atmosphere, causing atoms to emit glowing light; visibility depends on the CME's magnetic orientation and local weather conditions, with the best viewing times between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time.
- The sun
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