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Historic Solar Storm Unleashes Global Aurora Displays

A powerful geomagnetic storm has triggered widespread sightings of the Northern Lights, with potential visibility extending as far south as Alabama.

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CALIFORNIA, USA - MAY 11: Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) illuminate the sky of San Francisco North Bay as seen from China Camp Beach in San Rafael, California, United States on May 11, 2024. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, as seen in Oakland Township on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Overview

  • The geomagnetic storm, reaching a G5 severity, marks one of the most intense solar disturbances in decades.
  • Auroras, typically seen near the poles, dazzled observers across the U.S., Europe, and as far as China due to the storm's strength.
  • NOAA and other weather agencies issued rare high-level geomagnetic storm watches, anticipating further auroral activity.
  • Experts warn of possible disruptions to power grids and satellite communications due to the ongoing solar storm.
  • Viewing conditions for the auroras remain favorable in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, with peak visibility near midnight.