The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has launched an alert this Sunday due to a severe geomagnetic storm that has hit the Earth, triggered by intense solar eruptions.
Initially classified as a minor on the five-level scale on Saturday, the storm was upgraded on Sunday to level G4 and its effects are expected to last until this Monday.
This geomagnetic storm can have various consequences, from the possibility of sightings of the northern lights to potential impacts on electrical, communications and transportation networks.
Atmospheric scientist and meteorologist Matthew Cappucci explained on his social networks that the Sun’s coronal mass ejection (CME) arrived more than 12 hours ahead of schedule. This increases the likelihood that auroras will be visible over a wide area that includes much of Europe and Asia, even in northern mid-latitudes.
“The public should not anticipate adverse impacts and no action is necessary, but should stay adequately informed about the storm’s progression by visiting our website,” the Prediction Center said, noting that infrastructure operators had been notified.
According to NOAA’s explanation, a coronal mass ejection (CME) refers to a significant ejection of plasma and magnetic material from the Sun, which can reach the Earth in as little as 15 hours. Bill Murtagh, SWPC program coordinator, describes this phenomenon as “essentially the Sun launching a magnet into space.”