'Severe' Solar Storm Watch Issued for First Time in 19 Years

The aurora borealis could be seen much further south than usual.

A Level 4 (Severe) geomagnetic solar storm watch has been issued by NOAA for the first time since 2005, with the potential for dazzling aurora borealis displays coupled with potential GPS and satellite problems. 

"Watches at this level are very rare," the agency wrote in its warning. "The aurora may become visible over much of the northern half of the country, and maybe as far south as Alabama or Northern California." A level four alert was last issued in January 2005. 

The merging of multiple large sunspots has caused a series of coronal mass ejections (CME), which are expected to impact earth by late Friday, May 10 or early Saturday, May 11. Best viewing is typically away from cities and other large sources of light pollution. 

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Centre has issued a rare G4 geomagnetic storm watch (first since 2005) this means the #aurora could be visible tonight across much of Canada and as far south as Northern California! #Auroraborealis pic.twitter.com/tsrrrty0HY

— Ross Hull (@Ross_Hull) May 10, 2024

In addition to potentially vivid aurora displays, CMEs can also cause other issues. 

"Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth’s surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations," said NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center in a press release. "SWPC has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action."