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For the first time in over 20 years, the United States has issued an “Extreme (G5) Geomagnetic Storm Watch” due to a powerful geomagnetic storm.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, which released the advisory, Earth-directed coronal mass ejections are predicted to persist over the weekend.
This might impact near-Earth orbit and surface infrastructure, affecting communications, the electric power system, navigation, radio, and satellite operations.
These watches are provided to inform the operators of these systems, giving them time to take preventive measures.
The most recent G5 geomagnetic storm struck Earth in October 2003.
On the plus side, because this is not a typical geomagnetic storm, the northern lights may be seen in the sky as far south as Alabama.
Experts believe that the aurora-viewing region may reach into the Deep South, with northern Alabama perhaps witnessing some of the spectacles.
Meanwhile, in the West, locations as far south as Northern California may experience auroras.
Even if the eclipse is obscured by clouds overnight, eclipse viewing glasses from early April may be useful.
If you still have them, put them on when the skies are clear to look at the sun; this geomagnetic storm is so large that it may be visible to the naked eye, but only with protection.
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