On Monday night, stargazers with clear skies may be treated to a dazzling display of the northern lights. The U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center reported that a potent X 1.9 solar flare, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), occurred recently. These X flares represent the strongest classification on the solar flare scale, with this particular flare standing out for its extended duration, lasting several hours.
CMEs, which are rapid releases of solar particles, can trigger stunning auroras when they interact with Earth’s magnetic field. Fortunately, our planet is in the trajectory of the current CME, promising a potential show of the aurora borealis in the night sky.
The Space Weather Prediction Center anticipates the CME’s arrival at Earth between late January 19 and early January 20 EST. This event is expected to lead to a severe geomagnetic storm, rated as a G4 on the disturbance scale, signaling a significant impact on Earth’s magnetosphere.
Previous G5 geomagnetic storms in 2024 produced spectacular auroras visible as far south as the Caribbean. While the aurora borealis is typically observed in northern regions, favorable conditions like a southerly dip in the auroral hole and clear skies could bring this celestial spectacle to more southern locations.
Despite the season typically having more cloud cover, skywatchers are advised to seek dark, cloud-free areas for the best viewing experience. Due to the severity of the forecast, facing north may not be necessary to witness the auroras, provided the storm intensity remains moderate.
For those interested in tracking the visibility of the aurora borealis in their area, apps like Aurora Alerts and Aurora Forecast can be helpful tools.
