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Saturday July 27, 2024

Aurora Borealis: Northern lights created by geomagnetic storm to be visible again

Astro geeks, brace yourselves as physicists announce more solar storms in upcoming days

By Web Desk
May 17, 2024
Powerful geomagnetic storm classified as Level 5 was last seen in 2003. — Space/File
Powerful geomagnetic storm classified as 'Level 5' was last seen in 2003. — Space/File

Brace yourselves astro geeks, as more strong geomagnetic storms may occur in the coming months.

According to a recent article in Nature, physicists anticipate a stronger solar storm, which would raise the likelihood of seeing more aurora borealis in different places of the world, Forbes reported.

The strongest geomagnetic storm of the year, classified as G5, was observed on Friday and the weekend, causing the northern lights to be visible as far south as Arizona and Florida in North America.

Last weekend’s extreme solar flares were caused by several Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) catching up with each other as they entered Earth's atmosphere.

That could happen again in the next few days, weeks and months as the sun moves towards "solar maximum".

Scientists suggest that to see aurora at its best, you need darkness, clear sky and minimum pollution.

A geomagnetic storm, also known as a solar storm, is a disturbance on the sun that causes huge bursts of energy in the form of solar flares and CMEs to emanate towards the solar system, including the earth and the surrounding space.

These solar flares or electrical charges produce a dazzling "aurora borealis" display in parts of the atmosphere, which can be seen near the Arctic Circle.