UPDATE as of Saturday, May 11, 2024 "Solar activity is expected to persist at high to very high levels over 11-13 May, with M-class (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) and X-class flares (R3/Strong) expected, due primarily to the flare potential of Region 3664" - further information in the article.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has bumped up this weekend's geomagnetic storm watch to a level G4, the second highest on the scale, according to Space.com.
The change comes as at least four coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are headed towards Earth while solar activity remains high.
According to the NOAA's SWPC, to have a watch at this level is rare, but it is indeed issued when there's a high likelihood that several CMEs will reach Earth and create "highly elevated" geomagnetic activity.
Northern Lights - Image via Unsplash
Numerous high-level solar flares and their associated CMEs from several sunspot regions have been seen increasing, according to Space.com. This increases the potential effects of this solar activity.
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A variety of colors are available.
The website says that starting late Friday into Saturday, these events may not only affect space, but also Earth in terms of our satellite communication systems and, whether auroras will be visible.
Photo from South Allentown at approximately 4:30 am on May 11, 2024
The NOAA defines CMEs as an "eruption of solar material," and as they approach our planet, we can experience a geomagnetic storm.
With this particular event, the CMEs are expected to merge as they near Earth and could arrive as early as late Friday (May 10), according to Space.com.
The NOAA Space Weather Scale helps communicate to the public what impacts we could see from space weather conditions both across the planet and when it comes to anything in low earth orbit (LEO).
Information about May 11th's geomagnetic storm watch, courtesy of the NOAA. (Image credit: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC))
At the G4 level, more specifically, there's a threat for widespread problems with voltage control and impacts to the grid which could affect some protective systems, according to Space.com.
Satellite and low-frequency radio navigation systems such as GPS could be disrupted and spacecraft operations could also have issues when it comes to surface charging and tracking.
For those who have "seeing the northern lights" on their bucket list, there is an increased possibility as well to see the aurora across parts of the U.S. this weekend, according to the website.
The current forecast has the northern half of the U.S. in the view path with the best chances falling in northern Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the majority of North Dakota, according to the website. This could change - Make certain to check back with SWPC's experimental Aurora viewline if you're interested in catching some beautiful auroras.
Visibility for viewing auroras also depends on local weather conditions and proximity to city lights.
For the latest information on the geomagnetic storm, go to The SWPC's forecast discussion.
According to the report, "Solar activity is expected to persist at high to very high levels over 11-13 May, with M-class (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) and X-class flares (R3/Strong) expected, due primarily to the flare potential of Region 3664".
The geomagnetic storm persists this weekend. Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight.
Update as of 8:30 am on May 11, 2024
Tips to see the Aurora and best times:
Again, for the latest information on the geomagnetic storm, go to The SWPC's forecast discussion.
According to the report, "Solar activity is expected to persist at high to very high levels over 11-13 May, with M-class (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) and X-class flares (R3/Strong) expected, due primarily to the flare potential of Region 3664".
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