The storm could also impact power systems and spacecraft operations.
A strong geomagnetic storm could soon interact with Earth's atmosphere, bringing the potential for northern lights displays to be seen much further south in the continental U.S., according to space weather experts.
A Coronal Mass Ejection -- a massive burst of solar material and magnetic field from the sun's outer atmosphere -- that occurred on Sunday is expected to reach Earth within the next 24 hours, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration'sStrong or severe geomagnetic storm conditions could occur as a result of the CME, including auroras that extend as far south as Alabama and northern California. Northern light displays occur when a solar flare interacts with the atoms and molecules in Earth's atmosphere. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of an X5.8 solar flare peaking at 9:23 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2024.As the solar flare clashes with the upper atmosphere, it causes the atoms to emit a glow, creating a spectrum of light in the night sky. Whether the auroras will actually be visible will depend on how the CME arrives, the magnetic orientation of the CME's magnetic field and how cloudy it is locally.The best time to see the northern lights in the U.S. is generally between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time, and traveling to the darkest location possible is recommended for the best viewing, according to NOAA.Geomagnetic storms are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. A G3 storm could require voltage corrections on power systems and cause intermittent satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation problems, according to The aurora borealis glows above rural Monroe County as a strong geomagnetic storm from recent solar activity pushes the Northern Lights unusually far south on November 12, 2025, in Bloomington, Indiana.Under a G4 storm, possible widespread voltage control problems and other issues on power grids could occur, as could increased satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation problems.The sun's magnetic field reached its solar maximum phase of its 11-year cycle in October 2024 and has continued to emit strong solar flares and geomagnetic storms, leading to an increase in aurora displays.Jan 11, 10:28 PM
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Diona Doherty: 'I left smear test off for so long out of stupidity'The 36-year-old shared her experience of undergoing treatment for severe pre-cancerous cells after years of putting off getting a smear test.
Read more »
South Africa declares a national disaster over flooding and severe weatherSouth Africa has declared a national disaster over torrential rains and floods. The severe weather has killed at least 30 people in the northern part of the country. The declaration was made by the head of the National Disaster Management Center and announced by the government.
Read more »
These 5 Minutes of 'Silo' Instantly Turned Rebecca Ferguson Into a Modern Sci-Fi IconJuliette standing with a severe expression in Silo Season 1
Read more »
South Africa declares a national disaster over flooding and severe weatherSouth Africa has declared a national disaster over torrential rains and floods
Read more »
Jesy Nelson Splits From Fiance Amid Babies' Muscle Disease: ReportFormer Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson reportedly split from fiancé Zion Foster, just weeks after revealing her 8-month-old twins have 'severe muscle disease'
Read more »
Northern lights may appear in Colorado skies on MondaySevere solar storms may light up the northern horizon in Colorado on Monday with the vibrant colors of the aurora borealis, according to space weather forecasters.
Read more »