Space Weather Prediction Severe Geomagnetic Storm Aurora Borealis

I think it's safe to say that we have had enough storm watches and severe weather this week, but this storm watch from the Space Weather Prediction Center is quite different.

What Does a G4 Watch Mean?

This type of watch does not involve wind, rain, or lighting, but it could affect other things in our environment. There is a lot that goes into space weather forecasting. Here is what the experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say about a G4 Watch:

Power systems: Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems will mistakenly trip out key assets from the grid. Spacecraft operations: May experience surface charging and tracking problems, corrections may be needed for orientation problems. Other systems: Induced pipeline currents affect preventive measures, HF radio propagation sporadic, satellite navigation degraded for hours, low-frequency radio navigation disrupted, and aurora has been seen as low as Alabama and northern California (typically 45° geomagnetic lat.).

PHOTO: NORTHERN LIGHTS MAP NOAA

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Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for the evening of Friday, May 10, 2024. Additional solar eruptions could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to persist through the weekend.

Video of Sunspot Activity

Best Time and Location to See The Northern Lights

The first thing that we need to do is cross our fingers. Even with the extra solar activity, predicting the Aurora Borealis is tricky. There are charts, graphs, and very scientific terms like electron and proton flux levels. That all helps the folks at the Space Weather Prediction Center, but the Northern Lights are still kind of unpredictable.

PHOTO-Northern-Lights-aurora-Christopher-Morse

That said, the United States does have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, even if it's just a slight glow. meteorologist Ron Rhodes with WEHT tells me that after dark just go outside and look up and to the north. We do have clear skies so that will be to our advantage. I would definitely take a look outside tonight, and it could happen again tomorrow (5/11) as well.

Photographer Captures Stunning Northern Lights Show in Adirondacks

Shane Muckey captured stunning pictures of the Northern Lights in the Adirondacks.

Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams

34 Stunning Photos Of Magical Night Of Northern Lights In Minnesota + Wisonsin

May 19, 2023 was a night I'll always remember. The Northern Lights put on quite a show for a brief period of time. They were so bright you could even see them in town with the bright city lights. Here are some fantastic images submitted by B105 listeners.