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Severe Solar Storm Sends Northern Lights Deep Into U.S., With More Possible Tonight

NOAA says additional CME arrivals could keep aurora viewing chances going into Thursday.

Overview

  • NOAA confirmed G4 geomagnetic conditions this week, with Kp readings reaching about 8 and auroras seen unusually far south, including Florida, Texas and California, and as far as Mexico.
  • Forecasters at the Space Weather Prediction Center warned that further CME impacts could arrive through Thursday, sustaining activity though exact timing and intensity remain uncertain.
  • Sightings and images poured in across the U.S. and internationally, with reports from Europe as well as New Zealand and Australia during the ongoing solar event.
  • Operators were alerted to risks for satellites, GPS, HF radio and power-grid voltage control, and outlets reported some GPS and grid effects as monitoring continued.
  • Blue Origin postponed a New Glenn launch due to space-weather risk, and officials advised skywatchers to seek dark northern horizons, noting that smartphone night modes often reveal faint auroras.