All posts tagged: auroras

Severe Solar Storm Warning: NOAA Predicts Auroras Across US, Possible Power Grid Impact

Severe Solar Storm Warning: NOAA Predicts Auroras Across US, Possible Power Grid Impact

Published by Webster

A powerful solar storm is predicted to reach Earth on Thursday, 10th October, according to forecasters from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storm could generate stunning auroras and affect radio communications, power grids, and satellites. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) has issued a G4-class geomagnetic storm warning, the second-highest level on their scale. A similar storm was last seen in May of this year, causing dramatic auroral displays. The solar flare and its consequences This event stems from a massive solar flare, classified as X1.8, which erupted from the sun on the night of 8th October. The flare was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is now speeding towards Earth. Shawn Dahl, service coordinator at SWPC, explained that the impact could vary depending on how the CME’s magnetic field aligns with Earth’s. A direct connection would heighten the storm’s intensity, while a mismatch might lessen its impact. Impact on auroras and communications The SWPC estimates that the solar storm could impact communications, power grids, and satellites. Auroral displays, …

NASA Astronaut Records Timelapse of Red and Green Auroras From Space

NASA Astronaut Records Timelapse of Red and Green Auroras From Space

Published by Webster

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick recently shared a breathtaking timelapse video featuring vivid red and green auroras from space. The mesmerising footage was captured aboard the Dragon Endeavor spacecraft on 8 October, as it orbited the Earth. These natural light displays, known as auroras, occur due to solar activity interacting with Earth’s atmosphere, creating stunning visuals that can be seen from both the ground and space. Dominick shared his experience in a post, offering a glimpse into his view from the spacecraft’s window. Auroras Captured from Dragon Endeavor Dominick filmed the dazzling auroras while looking out of the window of Dragon Endeavor, which was docked near the International Space Station (ISS). He explained that his view also featured the Dragon Freedom spacecraft, enhancing the surreal quality of the footage. “Red and green aurora appear to dance as we fly by Dragon Endeavour’s window with Dragon Freedom in view,” Dominick noted in his post. The vibrant display was a result of solar activity, which has recently intensified. Life Aboard the Dragon Endeavor Dominick gave insights into his …

X-Class Solar Flare Erupts on the Sun, Earth-Directed CME Might Have Been Released

Published by Webster

This week, solar activity has been particularly intense, with the sun releasing powerful solar flares, including an X1.3-class flare on Thursday, September 12. The eruption, coming from an unnumbered sunspot, took place at 5:43 AM EDT (9:43 UTC). X-class flares, the strongest of its type, can cause disruptions in radio communications, especially in sunlit areas. In this case, the flare impacted high-frequency radio bands across Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Geomagnetic Storm and Aurora Chances Following the X1.3-class flare, a geomagnetic storm occurred on 12 September 2024, rated at G3 on a five-level scale by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. This storm resulted from a coronal mass ejection (CME) produced by a solar flare earlier in the week on 10 September. As a CME travels through space, it carries plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. When these reach Earth, they can trigger geomagnetic storms and enhance auroras in the Northern Hemisphere. Some areas in the western US reported visible auroras following the …