Space forecasters say severe solar storms could hit Earth and trigger auroras

"Space weather forecasters issued an alert on Tuesday for incoming severe solar storms that could produce colorful northern lights and temporarily disrupt communications. In the past few days, the sun has burped out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections that could reach Earth Tuesday night and early Wednesday. The potential severe geomagnetic storms could disrupt radio and GPS communications, according to forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."

"How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the solar bursts get here and how they interact with Earth's atmosphere. The vibrant displays could be visible across much of the northern U.S., and as far south as Alabama and Northern California. How northern lights happen The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread."

"Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way. Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle"

NOAA issued an alert for incoming severe solar storms caused by recent coronal mass ejections that could reach Earth Tuesday night and early Wednesday. The storms could temporarily disrupt radio and GPS communications. Aurora brightness and southern visibility will depend on arrival timing and interactions with Earth's atmosphere. Vibrant displays could be visible across much of the northern U.S. and as far south as Alabama and Northern California. The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year cycle, increasing aurora frequency. The active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of the year, though the exact peak timing remains unknown.

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