Weekend Solar Storms Could Illuminate the Sky with Stunning Northern Lights

Each eruption can contain billions of tons of solar plasma. As particles hit the Earth, they have the potential to generate northern lights.

WASHINGTON — Solar storms continuing from the weekend may lead to faint auroras across the Northern Hemisphere, with minimal impact on power and communications, space forecasters said Monday.

Since Saturday, the sun has released at least five potent solar flares containing high-energy plasma that could disrupt power grids and GPS signals, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). However, no significant communication issues have been reported, noted NOAA spokesperson Erica Grow Cei.

Each eruption can contain billions of tons of solar plasma. When these particles collide with the Earth, they can create northern lights, dazzling observers with ethereal displays typically seen only in polar regions.

In May, intense solar storms led to remarkable aurora sightings across the Northern Hemisphere. According to Grow Cei, the recent event over the weekend is likely shorter but may still allow for faint auroras visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California on Monday night.

The sun’s magnetic field, currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle, is causing an increase in storms and aurora activities.

Earlier this year, solar activity gave sky-watchers across the U.S. a chance to see auroras, thanks to a spike in the magnetic field. That May flare was linked to a sunspot 16 times the diameter of Earth, NOAA reported. Similar electronic disruption warnings were issued due to the threats posed by these solar storms to sensitive electronics.