Severe geomagnetic storm impacts Earth today

A coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun on June 25 has reached Earth, causing a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center.

The SWPC reports that geomagnetic storms are caused when the sun ejects plasma and parts of its magnetic field into space (a CME). If directed towards Earth, this ejection can interact with Earth’s magnetic field, causing Northern Lights. A geomagnetic storm can also impact satellites and tech system like GPS. It is incredibly hard to predict these, and everyday life is typically not impacted.

Several sightings of the Northern Lights were reported Thursday night in the United States in response to a geomagnetic storm caused by a CME. As of Friday morning, conditions have reached G4 (severe) status. If this were to hold until nightfall, depending on several other factors, auroras may be visible once again.

Unfortunately for us in Michigan, cloud cover and rain showers will likely hinder any chances of spotting the aurora. For updated information on space weather, visit the Space Weather Prediction Center.