Overview
- NOAA has extended a G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watch through April 17 due to continued effects of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun.
- Auroras are forecast to be visible as far south as Kentucky, Oregon, and Illinois, with peak viewing expected between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time in dark, north-facing locations.
- The storm follows powerful solar flares released on April 13, with geomagnetic activity expected to peak at a Kp index of 5–5.33 over the next 24 hours.
- Potential minor disruptions include satellite surface charging, increased drag on low-Earth-orbit satellites, and intermittent issues with radio navigation systems.
- The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, increasing the frequency and intensity of solar events like CMEs and geomagnetic storms.