A G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm was observed today.
This is the response to a pair of CMEs observed leaving the Sun on 15 March.
The storm is producing gorgeous auroras and sparking concerns about power disruptions.
Shown in the featured photo is a model depiction of where the aurora is likely visible. Storm conditions are forecast to persist for the next several hours before beginning to wane down towards the end of the UT day.
Spaceweather.com reports that it’s the strongest so far in this solar cycle, which occurs about every 11 years.
The electric power grid, and the power to homes and business, can be disrupted by solar storms like this, NOAA reports.
From USA Today:
Before sunrise, bright auroras were sighted over several northern-tier U.S. states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, the Dakotas and Washington, according to Spaceweather.com.
There can also be disruptions to satellites during these storms, though NOAA reports that there is no threat of that with this storm.
This event should last roughly 24-36 hours, NOAA scientists said at a briefing on Tuesday afternoon.
Featured Image Credit: Terry Eliasen @TerryWBZ/Twitter
