On Saturday, September 16, a colossal solar filament, commonly known as a solar tendril, extended outward from the sun, propelling a scorching plasma eruption known as a coronal mass ejection (CME) toward Earth.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a watch for a G2-class moderate geomagnetic storm, with particular attention to the section of the CME directed toward Earth, expected to impact on September 19.
This development holds promise for those who seek to witness the mesmerizing auroras, Space.Com reported.
If the CME arrives as anticipated, it has the potential to trigger a geomagnetic storm reminiscent of the one experienced on September 12, which illuminated auroras as far south as Colorado and Missouri, as reported by Spaceweather.com.
NOAA categorizes geomagnetic storms on a scale ranging from G1, which might enhance auroral activity near the poles and cause minor fluctuations in power supply, to G5, the most extreme level capable of causing complete HF (high frequency) radio blackout on the entire sunlit side of the Earth, lasting for several hours.
The predicted G2 storm on Tuesday, September 19, could result in widespread auroral displays and, according to NOAA, might lead to a partial HF radio communication blackout on the sunlit side, potentially causing radio contact interruptions lasting for a few minutes.
Additionally, there could be temporary disruptions in low-frequency navigation signals, lasting for a similar duration.
Written by staff
B.C. Begley 