Solar storm to bring northern lights and minor disruptions
A coronal mass ejection from the Sun is expected to reach us over the weekend. Experts are forecasting not only the appearance of colourful lights in the night sky but also a magnetic storm, especially since the Sun has now entered a phase of unusual activity.
This coming weekend, Earth might be affected by the impact of a powerful energy explosion on the Sun's surface. Experts predict that the coronal mass ejection (CME), which occurred on January 21, will reach our planet. The Earth's magnetosphere is anticipated to be reached over the weekend—either from Friday to Saturday or from Saturday to Sunday (January 24-26).
The aurora will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere
According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, the auroras will be visible in parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, calculations currently suggest that they might be difficult to see in Canada, if at all, and only in the northern parts of the country. We are likely dealing with a weak geomagnetic storm (on the G1 scale).
Although it will be weak, it may disrupt the power grid, potentially leading to issues with satellites and radio blackouts. Although G1 geomagnetic storms are among the weakest, they can produce colourful auroras.
The Sun has entered a phase of unusual activity
If you're unable to see the auroras this weekend, there's no reason to worry. All forms of solar weather, including coronal mass ejections, occur more frequently during the Sun's 11-year cycle of activity, known as the solar maximum. Therefore, we can expect several years of increased solar activity, likely peaking in 2025.
During such a maximum, solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME) become more frequent, and auroras may be visible even at lower latitudes, such as in southern parts of Canada.
The phenomenon of auroras occurs during the collision of charged particles from the Sun with Earth's magnetic field. These particles travel along the lines of the magnetosphere towards the Earth's north and south poles, and when they collide with atmospheric molecules, they excite them, resulting in the emission of colourful light. The colours are determined by the type of particles and the altitude at which the phenomenon occurs.
To enjoy the auroras, you should observe them away from sources of artificial light. Although you don't need binoculars or a telescope, a smartphone screen can help capture clearer colours, as it is more sensitive to light than the human eye.
