Solar Storm Set to Illuminate Northern Skies with Auroras This Weekend

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A powerful solar outburst is expected to reach Earth this weekend, potentially creating brilliant auroras across much of the northern United States. The event stems from a coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the sun on January 21, and is forecasted to strike Earth's magnetic field late Friday night or early Saturday morning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

This solar activity could cause a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm, leading to temporary disruptions in Earth's magnetic field. While G1 storms typically go unnoticed by most people, they can lead to radio blackouts, power grid fluctuations, and satellite malfunctions.

Interestingly, G1 storms can also lower the visibility threshold for auroras, which may delight skywatchers in northern Michigan, Maine, and other northern regions of the U.S. A geomagnetic storm occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's magnetic field, resulting in stunning displays of colorful lights known as auroras.

For the best viewing experience, experts recommend finding dark locations away from artificial light sources. While the auroras can appear fainter to the naked eye, smartphone cameras capture them vividly due to their light sensitivity. If viewers miss this weekend's display, they can look forward to future appearances, as solar activity is expected to increase through the current solar maximum cycle, which began in October 2024.

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