An enormous explosion was spotted on the sun on Wednesday, and now astronomers are keeping a detailed eye on how that will impact us here on Earth in the approaching days.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued G1-Minor and G2-Moderate Geomagnetic Storm Watches that may run from Feb. 16-18 as a consequence of the continuing effects of the Coronal Mass Ejections (CME).
The G1-Minor Geomagnetic Storm Watch will likely be in effect through Friday after the results of the CME that passed by Earth on Wednesday.
In response to the SWPC, the geomagnetic storm may affect satellite operations and will even result in weak power-grid fluctuations. As well as, migratory animals may very well be affected, and the Northern Lights could also be visible farther south than usual, like in northern Michigan and Maine.
A second CME was also observed on the sun on Wednesday, and officials said the results could begin to affect Earth starting late Friday morning or Friday afternoon.
“G1-Minor conditions are likely on 17 Feb, with G2-Moderate conditions likely on 18 Feb because the important driver of the CME arrives at Earth,” the SWPC said.
A G2-level solar storm could affect high-latitude power systems by triggering voltage alarms, and long-duration storms could cause damage to transformers. As well as, corrective actions could also be obligatory for spacecraft orbiting Earth.
Radio and GPS signals may be affected by a G2 solar storm, and the Northern Lights could possibly be seen farther south into places like Recent York state and Idaho.
