A massive solar flare, the largest observed since 2017, erupted from the Sun’s surface this week, sending ripples of excitement through the scientific community. Solar flares, which consist of intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation, travel from the Sun at the speed of light and can reach Earth in about eight minutes. While these flares can disrupt radio communications and satellites, their effects are unlikely to be noticed by most people.
However, for those in northern latitudes, the aftermath of this solar activity might present a spectacular show: the Northern Lights. Two geomagnetic storms are expected to hit Earth over the weekend, increasing the chances of auroral displays in certain parts of the world.
It’s important to note that solar flares themselves do not cause the Northern Lights. Instead, they are produced by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun. These CMEs often accompany solar flares and can interact with Earth’s magnetic field, resulting in solar storms. When this interaction occurs, it generates the mesmerizing auroras, also known as the Northern and Southern Lights, that light up the night skies in polar regions.
CMEs can eject billions of tons of material into space, and when these particles collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, they create vibrant displays of color in the atmosphere. “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 aurora for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England,” said Krista Hammond, Space Weather Manager at the UK Met Office.
For skywatchers in the UK, this weekend offers a promising chance to catch the Northern Lights. A second CME is expected to arrive between Saturday and Sunday, increasing the likelihood of auroras further south, including central England. However, cloudy or rainy weather might obstruct visibility in some regions. In the United States, people in northern states from the Midwest to Oregon may also have the opportunity to witness the aurora, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
The solar flare responsible for this activity has been classified as an X9 flare, making it the most powerful type of flare on NASA’s scale. Solar flares are ranked according to their intensity, with categories ranging from B, C, M, to X, where X represents the most intense flares. Within the X category, a numerical value from 1 to 9 is used to indicate the strength of the flare, and an X9 rating is the upper limit of the scale, marking this event as particularly significant.
This powerful solar flare is part of the Sun’s ongoing journey toward “solar maximum,” a phase of heightened activity in its regular 11-year cycle. During this period, the Sun produces more sunspots, flares, and CMEs, increasing the chances of geomagnetic storms that interact with Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, the next few months are expected to bring more frequent auroral displays.
While scientists cannot precisely predict the exact moment of solar maximum in real-time, they can confirm it after analyzing six months of sunspot data. Current predictions suggest that the solar maximum could occur by late 2024 or early 2025. Until then, the increased solar activity offers sky watchers around the world more opportunities to see the breathtaking auroras, with each geomagnetic storm carrying the potential for stunning natural light shows.
For now, eyes will be on the skies this weekend, as space weather enthusiasts and casual observers alike hope for clear conditions to witness the brilliant auroras that this powerful solar event may bring.