(CNN) A large solar flare erupted Thursday and is set to reach Earth Saturday, which could result in a strong geomagnetic storm and cause the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, to be visible across the US and Europe.
NOAA issued a G3, or "strong" geomagnetic storm watch, for Saturday and Sunday ahead of the flare slamming into the Earth. The scale for geomagnetic storms runs from G1, or minor storm, to G5, an extreme storm.
This geomagnetic storm could cause voltage irregularities and false alarms on some protection devices, NOAA warns. It also could cause high frequency radio blackouts and loss of radio contact on the sunlit side of the earth.
A G3 geomagnetic storm watch has been issued for October 30. Visit https://t.co/DeCEKjoqF6 for the latest information. pic.twitter.com/XMG4EZEbcu — NOAA Space Weather (@NWSSWPC) October 29, 2021
The most visible effect from the impending geomagnetic storm is it will likely supercharge the aurora borealis, making it visible across large parts of the US and Europe.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute Aurora Forecast indicates, weather permitting, the Northern Lights could be visible from Portland Oregon to New York City. It may also be visible on the horizon as far south as Carson City, Nevada, Oklahoma City, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
AyeSoSo on October 30th, 2021 at 03:37 UTC »
Everything good always happens when clouds are thick
engin__r on October 30th, 2021 at 02:20 UTC »
Any particular time of night we should be looking?
ConstantlySlippery on October 30th, 2021 at 02:20 UTC »
Yeah of course it is because it’s going to be cloudy and raining in New England.
I’ve seen northern lights once in my life in upstate New Hampshire about 30 years ago, would love to see them again. Still pictures don’t do it justice, the way they move is mesmerizing