RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A historic geomagnetic storm is expected to impact Earth this weekend, and for the first time since 2005, the Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for a G4 storm, which is considered a severe storm.
So how did this happen? At least 5 coronal mass ejections burst from the Sun toward Earth.
A Coronal Mass Ejection, or CME, is an explosion of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun. As they move toward Earth they interact with our magnetic field, which can cause several issues mainly for the sun-lit side of the Earth.
With this particular G4, high-frequency radio blackouts are possible for up to a few hours. GPS and other satellite navigation may not work as well, and some power grids, mainly in the northern latitudes, may have issues with voltage control and the protective systems may trip at times.
A G4 can also cause the Aurora to be seen farther south possibly as far south as Alabama!
Looking at the Aurora forecast, the best chance to see it with your naked eye is still pretty far from us, however with long exposure photography it is technically possible to see the Aurora here in North Carolina, just mostly likely the western part of the state late Friday night and early Saturday morning.
To learn more about CMEs and this geomagnetic storm, you can read more here.