Northern Lights possible as solar storms gather

A significant solar flare has been detected, marking the largest eruption from the Sun since 2017. Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation that travel from the Sun to Earth at the speed of light, reaching our planet in approximately eight minutes. While these flares can disrupt radio communications and affect satellites, most individuals are unlikely to experience any noticeable effects. This weekend, there is a possibility that people living in northern regions may witness the Northern Lights, as two geomagnetic storms are forecasted to impact Earth. It is essential to clarify that solar flares themselves do not cause the Northern Lights; rather, they are the result of a phenomenon known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that occur when an active sunspot releases a substantial amount of energy. When combined with solar flares, these CMEs can generate solar storms that interact with Earth's magnetic field, leading to the stunning auroras we see in the sky. Krista Hammond, the Space Weather Manager at the Met Office, stated, 'There is the potential for a coronal mass ejection to arrive at Earth late on Friday or early on Saturday, which could lead to visible auroras for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England. ' This weekend, both the UK and the US may have opportunities to see the Northern Lights. A second CME is expected to strike Earth on Saturday and Sunday, associated with the solar flare rated X9. This rating indicates that enhanced visibility of the auroras is possible even further south across central England and similar latitudes, although cloud cover and rain could hinder viewing conditions for some. In the United States, the auroras might be visible in northern states and from the Midwest to Oregon, according to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre. The X9 solar flare is the largest classification recognized by NASA, with the smallest being B, followed by C, M, and X types. The scale ranges from 1 to 9, making X9 the most powerful flare in NASA's classification system. Auroras are visible when solar storms interact with Earth's magnetic field. The Sun is currently approaching a phase known as 'solar maximum,' which is when it is most active during an 11-year cycle. As the Sun continues this active phase, Earth is more likely to experience strong geomagnetic storms, increasing the chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis in the upcoming months. However, scientists can only confirm that solar maximum has occurred six months after the event, as they analyze data regarding the intensity and frequency of sunspots during that period. Current predictions suggest that we may reach solar maximum by the end of 2024 or early 2025. Regarding the weather forecast in the UK, BBC weather presenter Simon King has indicated that conditions may not be favorable for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora this weekend. 'Only the far north-east of Scotland will experience occasional breaks in the cloud for a short time,' he noted. 'If the solar activity turns out to be stronger than expected, the best chances for clear skies on Friday night will be more towards central and southern England. ' He also mentioned that clouds could obstruct views on Saturday night, despite the evening starting with many clear skies. The aurora, or Northern Lights, represents the most visible impact of solar activity on Earth, but as Simon King explains, there is much more to understand about space weather.