Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch (and maybe big Northern Lights show)

[Jer]

Figured didn't really fit in the weather thread...

World told to brace for 'severe geomagnetic storm' today - the first in nearly 20 years - which could bring chaos to mobile phone networks, GPS satellites and power grids.

At least five streams of plasma, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are heading toward Earth, prompting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue a severe geomagnetic storm watch for Friday into the weekend.

 

[MJ29]

I went looking for a little more information. I found this from the National Space Weather Prediction Center (I didn't even know that was a thing)

SWPC Issues Its First G4 Watch Since 2005 | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center

www.swpc.noaa.gov

And this one from CBS shows which areas are most at risk.

Rare severe geomagnetic storm watch issued for first time in nearly 20 years amid "unusual" solar event

The sunspot responsible for the odd series of strong solar flares is so big you can see it with your own eyes from Earth.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[Jer]

For those that aren't aware of what that means, this is how I just explained it to my wife...

It’s a mass of plasma from the sun that is basically supercharged energy (think of it like a wave of high voltage electricity/radiation). Typically our magnetic field shields us from the daily flares, but every once in a long while there is a mass ejection that can go through our magnetic field. In theory, a big enough wave would be like a huge jolt of electricity that could fry all electronic devices in its path. Same concept of an EMP bomb.

 

[MeanDean]

coronal mass ejections

I don't think I like the sound of that.

 

[BoxsterCy]

On the plus side, Northern Lights tonight are supposed to visible in places you won't normally get a look. Might have to stay up and drive outside the city tot he south shore of some lake and look north tonight.

Where to see the northern lights: ‘Highly active’ displays this weekend may be largest in 20 years

Absent of clouds, stargazers across Minnesota and the northern half of the United States are in for a celestial show this weekend as the northern lights are expected to be “highly active.”

www.startribune.com

 

[Jer]

coronal mass ejections

I don't think I like the sound of that.

Hey, the sun has needs too and it's not like it gets action from anybody else.

 

[MeanDean]

Hey, the sun has needs too and it's not like it gets action from anybody else.

 

[CoachHines3]

For those that aren't aware of what that means, this is how I just explained it to my wife...

It’s a mass of plasma from the sun that is basically supercharged energy (think of it like a wave of high voltage electricity/radiation). Typically our magnetic field shields us from the daily flares, but every once in a long while there is a mass ejection that can go through our magnetic field. In theory, a big enough wave would be like a huge jolt of electricity that could fry all electronic devices in its path. Same concept of an EMP bomb.

i just explained it to my wife with the paragraph below but i think you and i are maybe talking about something different

It’s a mass of man chowder from the depths of my manhood that is basically supercharged energy (think of it like a wave of high voltage electricity/radiation). Typically your magnetic woman field shields me from shooting off my daily flares, but every once in a long while there is a mass ejection that can go through your magnetic field. In theory, a big enough wave would be like a huge jolt of electricity that could fry all electronic devices in its path. Same concept of an EMP bomb.

 

[3TrueFans]

I’ll wait for the geomagnetic storm warning.

 

[Jer]

I’ll wait for the geomagnetic storm warning.

Yeah, and to be clear - these warnings are sometimes a little overly dramatic. Not that a severe solar storm couldn't cause mass damage - a truly bad enough one could fry electronics everywhere - but the hyperbole usually gets a bit dramatic.

 

[VeloClone]

Wife had that as her alarm song for over a year. Heard it pretty much every morning for over a year and I actually never got sick of it.

 

[VeloClone]

Yeah, and to be clear - these warnings are sometimes a little overly dramatic. Not that a severe solar storm couldn't cause mass damage - a truly bad enough one could fry electronics everywhere - but the hyperbole usually gets a bit dramatic.

Yes, a lot of hyperbole, but as you said a really big one could be catastrophic as much as we rely on electricity and electronic devices.

Carrington Event - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

This one in 1859 was before our reliance on electronics but was still a mess for telegraph service.

 

[g4ce]

Hey, the sun has needs too and it's not like it gets action from anybody else.

Perpetually stuck in the revolving friend zone

 

[coolerifyoudid]

It'll probably turn all electronic devices off and restart them.
Then on Monday, IT departments across the globe will have nothing to do.

 

[CyCoug]

Perpetually stuck in the revolving friend zone

I don’t think so. The sun is the Alpha of the solar system. It has 8 planets (sorry Pluto) constantly revolving around its every move, just hoping to get a piece of the action.

 

[Jer]

Already reports of radio blackouts across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

 

[CySki]

Crescent moon as well.

 

[CascadeClone]

Someone posted this site a year or two ago, I check it sometimes. I have never seen the view line on Iowa's southern border. Usually people see stuff when it is at the northern border. And never seen so much red. Its insane. Get out tonight somewhere dark and have a look if you can.

 

[Tailg8er]

Someone posted this site a year or two ago, I check it sometimes. I have never seen the view line on Iowa's southern border. Usually people see stuff when it is at the northern border. And never seen so much red. Its insane. Get out tonight somewhere dark and have a look if you can.

View attachment 128981

What time are these supposed to be visible?

 

[Cyhig]

What time are these supposed to be visible?

The initial impact is expected to arrive around 4PM central time; however, it could arrive a few hours earlier or later. The storm is expected to last well into Saturday evening, so all night tonight should be great viewing