By Redaccion
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Skywatchers across the globe can expect more opportunities to see the northern lights in unexpected locations, as solar storms intensify, space weather experts reported Tuesday.
This year’s solar storms have pushed dazzling auroras farther south than usual, illuminating skies with vibrant shades of pink, purple, green, and blue. The sun is currently in the most active phase of its 11-year solar cycle, causing more frequent geomagnetic activity. According to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this heightened solar activity is expected to continue for at least another year. However, the exact peak of this solar cycle won’t be confirmed until months after it occurs.
Kelly Korreck, a scientist with NASA, explained that the current cycle has resulted in especially vivid auroras visible in unusual places. “We could still get some great displays over the next few months,” Korreck said, indicating that more eye-catching light shows may be on the way.
While auroras provide stunning spectacles, solar storms can also disrupt essential systems. NOAA officials warned that such storms could interfere with power grids, satellite communications, and navigation systems. When solar flares or coronal mass ejections are detected, NOAA issues alerts to power plant operators and spacecraft managers to prepare for potential disruptions.
In May, NOAA took the rare step of issuing a severe geomagnetic storm warning. That storm, the strongest in over two decades, lit up skies across the Northern Hemisphere with spectacular auroras. The same month, scientists observed a massive solar flare, but Earth avoided the brunt of its impact.
Although the recent solar activity has been significant, Bill Murtagh, program coordinator at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, noted that past solar cycles have produced even stronger storms. “We are closely monitoring the sun for any major events that could cause serious disruptions,” Murtagh said.
Last week, another powerful solar storm delivered a surprise to stargazers far from the Arctic Circle. Auroras were visible in unexpected locations, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and parts of the northeastern United States, such as New York City and New England.
With the sun remaining active, both scientists and skywatchers are bracing for more geomagnetic events in the months ahead. If the trend continues, vibrant auroras could become a more frequent feature in night skies far from the polar regions.
