2024-08-04 10:23:37
North American sky watchers may witness the northern lights over the weekend due to a geomagnetic storm. Solar activity has increased and may remain so until the end of this year, writes The Independent.
Scientists say the sun is currently going through the high activity period of its 11-year cycle known as solar maximum.
Because the Earth’s magnetic field is stronger near the North and South Poles, the auroras are usually more visible there.
The range of colors during the aurora borealis comes from different molecules in the atmosphere that are charged by the geomagnetic storm, writes bTV.
For example, oxygen in the upper atmosphere emits a fluorescent green and yellow hue, while nitrogen gives off a blue, red, or sometimes pink color. The neon glows orange.
The strength of each geomagnetic storm is different. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses a 5-level classification of phenomena.
G1 – Weak geomagnetic storm. There is a chance of minor interference in radio communications and power grid, affecting migratory animals and birds.
G2 – Moderate (medium) storm. It affects electrical systems and the power grid, astronauts in Earth orbit and satellites, radio communications disturbances.
G3 – Heavy Storm! It negatively affects and can cause damage to electronic devices, the power grid, orbital satellites, GPS navigation, disrupts radio communications.
G4 – Very strong storm! Disruptions and outages to power, communications, GPS navigation, damage to electronic and electrical equipment, endangering people and systems on the International Space Station.
G5 – Extreme Geomagnetic Storm! Failure of the power grid, communications, orbital satellites, risk to the lives of astronauts in Earth orbit, etc.
The US Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a G2 storm warning for August 3rd and 4th.