Sun's weekend show: Colorful auroras and mild geomagnetic storm
A coronal mass ejection from the Sun will reach Earth over the weekend. Experts predict not only the appearance of colorful lights in the night sky but also a magnetic storm, especially since the Sun has entered a period of unusual activity.
This coming weekend, Earth might be affected by a powerful energy explosion on the Sun's surface. Experts expect that the coronal mass ejection (CME) that occurred on January 21 will reach our planet. The Earth's magnetosphere is anticipated to be impacted over the weekend, either from Friday to Saturday or from Saturday to Sunday (January 24-26).
The aurora will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere
According to forecasts from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, the auroras will be visible in parts of the northern hemisphere. Unfortunately, current calculations suggest that they might be difficult to see in Poland, or only in the northern part of the country. It is likely a weak geomagnetic storm (on the G1 scale) will occur.
Even though it will be weak, it may cause disruptions in the power grid, leading to potential issues with satellites and radio blackouts. Although G1 geomagnetic storms are among the weakest, they can produce colorful auroras.
The Sun has entered a phase of unusual activity
If you're unable to see the auroras this weekend, there's no reason to worry. All forms of solar weather, including coronal mass ejections, occur more frequently during the Sun's 11-year cycle of activity, known as the solar maximum. Therefore, we can expect several years of increased solar activity, likely peaking in 2025.
During such a maximum, solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME) become more frequent, and auroras may be visible even at lower latitudes, such as in Poland.
The phenomenon of auroras occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth's magnetic field. These particles travel along the lines of the magnetosphere toward Earth's north and south poles, and when they collide with atmospheric molecules, they excite them, resulting in the emission of colorful light. The colors depend on the type of particles and the altitude at which the phenomenon occurs.
To enjoy the auroras, you should observe them away from sources of artificial light. Although binoculars or a telescope aren't necessary, a smartphone screen can help capture clearer colors, as it is more sensitive to light than the human eye.
