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Strong solar storms this year have triggered shimmering auroras
much farther south than usual, filling skies with hues of pink,
purple, green and blue.
The sun is currently at the maximum phase of its 11-year cycle,
making solar surges and northern lights more frequent. This
active period was expected to last for at least another year,
though when solar activity will peak won't be known until months
after the fact, according to NASA and the U.S. National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
This solar cycle has yielded more colorful auroras farther south
and more are likely, said NASA's Kelly Korreck.
“We still could possibly get some good shows in the next few
months,” she said.
Such storms can also temporarily disrupt power and
communications. Ahead of a solar outburst, NOAA would alert
operators of power plants and spacecraft in orbit.
In May, NOAA issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning. The
storm that slammed Earth was the strongest in more than two
decades, producing light displays across the Northern
Hemisphere. That same month, scientists recorded the biggest
flare erupting from the sun, but Earth was out of the way.
Previous solar cycles have produced storms more intense than
May's so space forecasters are keeping a close eye on the sun to
prepare for any major disruptions, said NOAA’s Bill Murtagh.
Last week, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the
Arctic Circle when auroras appeared in unexpected places
including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York
City.
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