A G4-level geomagnetic storm, caused by a coronal mass ejection from the Sun, is impacting Earth. This could lead to the Northern Lights being visible much further south, potentially including areas like Alabama and Texas. The storm also poses risks to power systems, spacecraft, and satellite navigation.
A powerful geomagnetic storm impacting Earth could cause the Northern Lights to be seen much farther south than normal Monday night.According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a blast of charged particles from the Sun, called a coronal mass ejection , is behind the G4-level or "Severe" storm.
This is the second-highest level on the agency’s storm-rating scale.The G4 storm is also accompanied by an S4-level solar radiation storm. The last time this type of storm was observed was in October 2003, according to the SWPC.At this level, SWPC said, widespread voltage control problems can occur with power systems. Spacecraft can experience tracking problems and satellite navigation can be degraded for hours.The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, can be seen as far south as Alabama during this type of storm, according to the SWPC. This means that, while they will likely be faint, the best chance for viewing the lights in Texas will be across northern parts of the state.
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