An extreme geomagnetic storm sent the Northern Lights as far south as Central Florida on Friday night.
The rare G5 geomagnetic storm is the first to impact earth since 2003.
During that event, power outages were observed in Sweden, and transformers were damaged in South Africa. The Northern Lights were also seen in the southern United States.
[HAVE ANY PHOTOS OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN FLORIDA? SHARE THEM WITH NEWS 6 ON OUR PINIT PAGE!]
NOAA officials announced that several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — eruptions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun — are expected to continue through the weekend.
According to NOAA, the source has mostly been a large, complex sunspot cluster that is 17 times the diameter of Earth. Additional activity from this region is still expected.
These solar winds can significantly disturb Earth’s magnetic field, producing Aurora Borealis (i.e. “Northern Lights”) around the poles.
And thanks to the strength of this geomagnetic storm, the lights are expected to be seen far more south than usual.
CAN I WATCH THEM FROM FLORIDA?
If the Aurora were to materialize in Central Florida with the current storm, it would likely be red and very low on the horizon.
While there is no guarantee the Northern Lights will be seen in Central Florida, hopeful sky watchers should allow 15 minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Look north and low on the horizon.
A planetary K index of 9 is needed to catch glimpse in Florida. That value has been reached and is expected to continue through Saturday morning.
WHEN WILL THEY HAPPEN?
A G5 geomagnetic storm was observed just before 7 p.m. Friday , growing stronger through the early hours of Saturday before dipping back down again by Sunday morning.
However, the best time to view the aurora usually falls between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., the institute’s report shows.
IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD WORRY ABOUT?
According to the SWPC, the geomagnetic storm that causes these Northern Lights could impact communication infrastructure.
This infrastructure includes:
- electric power grids
- navigation (i.e. GPS-based apps)
- radio
- satellite operations
- spacecraft
However, the storm could also impact everyday appliances, such as microwaves, stoves or dishwashers.
“It’s the computer inside that you don’t want to fry if there’s a power surge,” said CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.
Myers recommends turning off the breakers to those types of appliances rather than unplugging them.
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