This weekend, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch. This could result in the Northern Lights being visible, but it also poses a risk for power grids. Several earth-directed coronal mass ejections have been observed and are expected to arrive on Friday, May 10, persisting through Sunday, May 12. Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit as well as on Earth’s surface, potentially causing disruptions to communications, the electric power grid, and navigation systems.
While geomagnetic storms typically do not cause significant disruptions on Earth, in extreme cases they can lead to life-threatening power outages and problems with satellite systems and radio communications. The operators of these systems have been notified by NOAA so they can take protective action. High-frequency radio users in the aurora viewing zone may experience disruptions, but most people will not be affected. Consumer wireless networks use different radio frequencies, so your phone is unlikely to be affected. Severe geomagnetic storms could affect the power grid, but wireless carriers generally have backups in place.
Geomagnetic storms can also create ideal conditions for viewing auroras in the night sky. The plasma carried by the storm can result in stunning auroras that illuminate the night sky with vibrant colors. During severe geomagnetic storms, auroras can be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California. However, seeing an aurora requires patience and the right conditions, including minimal light pollution and clear weather. City dwellers may have a harder time seeing auroras due to light pollution, but traveling to rural areas with no streetlights can improve visibility.
For those interested in viewing an aurora, popular locations include Alaska, northern countries like Finland and Norway, as well as northern cities like Fairbanks and Yukon. There are trip planners who organize tours around the hope of seeing and photographing an aurora. Aurora sightings can be unpredictable due to changing weather conditions, so patience and flexibility are key. Even if you do not live in a prime aurora viewing location, taking a trip to a darker, rural area may increase your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon. Remember to bring along batteries and a weather radio in case of disruptions from the geomagnetic storm.
