An unexpected geomagnetic storm hit Earth overnight after material released by recent solar flares arrived faster than experts expected. The level of geomagnetic activity briefly reached G3 intensity.
Solar storm PHOTO Shutterstock
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G3 geomagnetic storm warning as Earth prepares to be hit by more coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun’s active region AR4274, Space.com reports.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the overnight storm was likely triggered by the rapid arrival of a CME, boosted by a strong solar wind stream.
The effects have resulted in spectacular auroral activity, with sightings reported in Canada, Europe and the northern United States.â
At the same time, more solar storms are expected in the coming days, the strongest being scheduled towards the end of the interval.
The M7.4 solar flare on November 5 generated a CME with speeds between 1,100 and 1,400 km/s, which is expected to hit Earth between November 6 and 7. Its interaction with the fast flow of solar wind from a nearby coronal hole could trigger new strong geomagnetic storms in the next 24–48 hours.
G3 geomagnetic storms indicate significant disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field, which can temporarily affect satellite navigation, high-frequency radio communications and cause fluctuations in power grids, especially in northern regions.
At the same time, they generate spectacular auroras, sometimes visible even at mid-latitudes.
Space meteorologist Tamitha Skov described the current forecast as “any aurora photographer’s dream,” with intense activity continuing through at least the end of the week.
According to her, G3–G4 storm levels are possible as more CMEs interact with the planet’s magnetic field.
