A “severe” solar storm triggered the outburst of auroras. Even California, Arizona, Arkansas and Virginia reported sightings.
Skywatchers in Europe, Asia and North America were treated Sunday night to perhaps one of the most widespread displays of the northern lights since the autumn solar storms of 2003. Equally impressive shows of the aurora australis, or southern lights, were spotted in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.
Forecasters at the Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colo., issued warnings for a Level 4 out of 5 “severe” geomagnetic storm, which only happens an average of 60 times every 11 years. The episode may have even been briefly more intense, sparking auroral displays as far south as California, Arizona, Arkansas and Virginia.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that geomagnetic storms of this strength can cause “possible widespread voltage control problems” on power grids and can “mistakenly trip out key assets” on protective systems. Satellites in space may experience increased drag, and in some cases even require minor corrective adjustments in positioning.
The flare was followed by a CME, or coronal mass ejection — a mass of solar plasma, charged particles and magnetism — that headed directly toward Earth at speeds of roughly 1.5 million miles per hour. That interplanetary shock wave collided with Earth’s magnetic field on Sunday afternoon Eastern time, which was after dark in Europe and the early hours of Monday in China. Brilliant apparitions of the northern lights quickly ensued.
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.
Northern lights venture south in widespread international displayEven California, Arizona, Arkansas and Virginia reported brief aurora sightings.
Read more »
What makes a severe thunderstorm severe?There are about 100,000 thunderstorms each year in the U.S. alone, but only around 10% of these reach severe levels. So what does it mean to be a “severe thunderstorm?'
Read more »
D.C. storm updates: Strong to severe storms with gusty winds entering southwest suburbsBreaking news: Severe thunderstorm watch for D.C. area until 6 p.m. Intense storms, capable of producing damaging winds and very heavy rain, are expected to move through the D.C. area between 1 and 4 p.m. Stay with CapitalWeather for the latest:
Read more »
PM Update: Severe threat done but a shower or storm still possible into eveningA bit sunnier tomorrow with breezes returning again during the afternoon
Read more »
Severe storms possible in Philly late Saturday, with a slight chance of a tornadoThis won't be a repeat of the April 1 tornado fest, the weather service says. And it's about to get a whole lot cooler.
Read more »
Sunny Earth Day, but possible severe storms tonightIt's Earth Day! Central Texans can expect a warm and sunny day, but should also prepare for possible severe storms tonight. FOX 7 Austin meteorologist Adaleigh Rowe explains.
Read more »