Brace yourselves, U.S.! This weekend, a rare and unusually strong solar storm is set to make a dazzling appearance in the night skies, potentially painting the northern lights as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a severe geomagnetic storm warning after a solar outburst reached Earth earlier than expected on Friday afternoon. Experts predict that the storm's effects could linger through the weekend and possibly into next week.
With the intensity of this solar activity, NOAA has urged power plant operators and spacecraft operators to implement precautionary measures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also been alerted to ensure preparedness against possible disruptions in power and communications.
While aurora enthusiasts might be thrilled by the prospect of witnessing the northern lights in unexpected regions, experts caution that the light displays may not be the vibrant curtains of color typically associated with auroras. Instead, residents might witness more subtle greenish splashes illuminating the sky.
For those eager to capture the spectacle, specialists recommend using phone cameras, which are better suited to capturing the faint lights than the naked eye.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
