Summary
A severe geomagnetic storm, caused by a solar event known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), has threatened power grids in the United States, potentially causing widespread blackouts. The storm also made the Northern Lights visible much farther south than usual.
Key Facts
- A geomagnetic storm of category G4 affected power grids in at least 11 U.S. states.
- The storm was triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun.
- Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) can pass through power lines and lead to voltage instability and equipment damage.
- Such currents can cause blackouts by damaging important equipment like transformers.
- The storm made the Northern Lights visible as far south as Tampa, Florida.
- These auroras are rarely seen so far south and usually appear once or twice per solar cycle, which lasts around 11 years.
- The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center predicts a drop in storm intensity from G3 on Thursday to G1 by Friday, with no storm expected by Saturday.
