Solar Storm Sparks Spectacular Auroras Across the Globe

News Desk 

Washington: A potent solar storm, the most powerful in over twenty years, struck Earth on Friday, triggering stunning displays of celestial lights from Tasmania to Britain. This event raised concerns about possible disruptions to satellites and power grids as it continues into the weekend.

The initial coronal mass ejection (CME), characterized by expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, occurred just after 1600 GMT, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Space Weather Prediction Center. Subsequently, it was upgraded to an “extreme” geomagnetic storm, the first of its kind since the “Halloween Storms” of October 2003, which caused blackouts in Sweden and infrastructure damage in South Africa. Additional CMEs are anticipated to impact the planet in the upcoming days.

Social media platforms buzzed with users sharing photographs of auroras visible across northern Europe and Australasia.

“We’ve just roused the kids to witness the Northern Lights in our backyard! Clearly visible without any aids,” shared Iain Mansfield from Hertford, England, with AFP.

Similar sentiments of awe were echoed in Tasmania, Australia’s island state.

“Absolutely breathtaking skies over Tasmania at 4 am this morning. I’m departing today and couldn’t miss this opportunity,” photographer Sean O’ Riordan posted on the social media platform X alongside a captivating photo.

Authorities issued notifications to satellite operators, airlines, and the power grid, urging precautionary measures to mitigate potential disruptions caused by fluctuations in Earth’s magnetic field.

In contrast to solar flares, which swiftly reach Earth at the speed of light within approximately eight minutes, coronal mass ejections (CMEs) travel at a slower pace, currently averaging around 800 kilometers (500 miles) per second, according to officials.

These CMEs originated from an extensive sunspot cluster, spanning 17 times the width of our planet. The Sun is nearing the apex of an 11-year cycle characterized by increased solar activity.