NOAA is forecasting a major geomagnetic storm. According to the Weather Channel, this is the first time a Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch has been issued since January 2005. On a scale of 1 to 9, this is an 8. NOAA warns at least five Earth-directed coronal mass ejections from today through Sunday.
This kind of activity has the potential to disrupt communications, the power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations. But it also can put on a light show – northern lights – over a large part of the country. One reporter noted that colors could vary from green to red, or hazy white.
Darkness and clear skies are best for viewing. Light pollution can also diminish results, so lights out might help. The hourly Weather Channel forecast for this area for this Friday evening isn’t too promising – at 10 pm, partly cloudy; 11 pm – 1 am, mostly cloudy; then possible showers.
If you want to read up, click here for what NOAA is saying. Of course, you’ll find endless content if you simply Google “Northern Lights.”
