Just jumping on quickly as a follow up to my post yesterday regarding the strong X class flare emitted from the Sun yesterday.
In the event that you didn’t read my post yesterday the sun emitted a strong X 1.9 class flare which produced a CME (coronal mass ejection) that was earth directed. This has lead NOAA to issue a G4 (Severe) level Geomagnetic Storm Watch. This is the strongest level since 2003. I stated also the combination of the flare and the coronal hole would lead to potential for low latitude Auroras as well as possible satellite, power grid, cellular, and website disruptions. A G4 level is the second highest in terms of magnetic storm warnings (see below).
I’ll keep the geeky technical jargon out of this conversation for today. I will say a lot of the space weather metrics are off the charts with this storm, but in short, we could have widespread Auroras tonight as far south as Alabama, California and even Mexico tonight. Forecasting exact timing and location is difficult as always, but if you’re going out tonight, dress really warm and look towards the northern sky near the horizon (find areas with little to no trees at the horizon).
Also, you obviously need clear skies. Not a totally ideal evening, but see the maps below on timing and clear skies for your area (blue areas = clear skies).
Good luck Aurora chasing! I’ll be out there! This could be the 5th viewing since the strong geomagnetic storm in May of 2024! The rapidly weakening magnetic field is playing a big part in this, but that’s discussion for another day. Hopefully, you’ll be able to see these with the naked eye tonight (and possibly tomorrow night), but using your iPhone night mode will help.
That’s it for now. I’ll be back in the next day or two with details on the Southeast ice storm I mentioned in yesterday’s post. This is becoming increasingly more likely and having a widespread impact across Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Phasing to the north into the tri-state area, while uncertain, could be possible. I’ll also provide an update on the Siberian blast that is coming and you should be prepped for per yesterday’s post (please read if you haven’t yet).