Key Points Summary โ Next Solar Storm Hit
- Next solar storm hit classified as G3 could affect power grids
- Storm triggered by M8.2 solar flare and coronal mass ejection
- Radio blackouts and GPS failures expected across U.S. and Europe
- Stunning northern lights visible across 13 U.S. states and parts of UK
- Sundayโs solar flare sends plasma and magnetic fields toward Earth
- Scientists ran emergency drills for worst-case solar superstorm
- NOAA urges infrastructure operators to prepare for disruptions
Space Weather Warnings Issued
A dangerous new solar storm is brewing. After Earth was slammed over the weekend, the next solar storm hit could be even worse. Authorities issued a Level 3 geomagnetic storm alert, warning of radio blackouts, GPS failures, and electric grid problems.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said solar activity remains elevated. A powerful M8.2-class solar flare erupted on Sunday, unleashing a surge of energy and plasma.
Blast From The Sun
This flare sent a coronal mass ejection (CME) barreling straight at Earth. CMEs are explosive eruptions that hurl magnetic fields and plasma through space. When they strike Earth, they disrupt the planetโs magnetic field.
As a result, the upcoming G3 storm could knock out high-frequency radio signals, especially on Earthโs nightside. GPS systems may stop working in affected areas. Satellite operators and airlines are already bracing for problems.
Lights In The Sky, Danger On The Ground
Despite the risks, the storm may create dazzling auroras. Northern lights could stretch across 13 U.S. states. These include Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and the Northeast.
The best time to see them? Between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. The UK and northern Europe may also catch a glimpse.
To get the best view, step away from city lights and look up. In many cases, a smartphone camera can pick up colors not visible to the naked eye.
Systems At Risk
Power disruptions are possible across the Midwest and Northeast. Orange and red zones on NOAA maps show where power grids might be hit hardest.
Officials confirmed that โinfrastructure operators have been notified.โ While systems can handle minor fluctuations, stronger waves could spark temporary blackouts.
According to NOAA, G3-level storms can cause noticeable disruptions, but worse could follow. A stronger wave may arrive later this week.
Signals May Fail
Dr. Tamitha Skov, a leading space weather physicist, warned that the stormโs speed is fast but field strength is growing. She predicted G3 to G4 storm levels, with heightened risks to GPS and HF radio users.
The flareโs magnetic field is interacting with Earthโs own, adding instability to communications and satellite navigation.
Meanwhile, scientists worry that future events could be much worse.
Solar Doomsday Drills
In recent months, researchers simulated what a massive solar superstorm could do. The drills revealed chaos: power grid failure, weeks-long blackouts, and collapsed internet systems.
One scenario involved an extreme event so severe it triggered nationwide outages and even stopped train lines and gas pipelines.
The eastern U.S. suffered most, with weeks of disruption and communication breakdowns. Cities plunged into darkness. Fuel prices soared. Travel stopped.
Preparing For The Worst
Experts now call for urgent action. They demand a whole-of-government response to protect national infrastructure. Better forecasting. More satellites. Faster alerts.
The goal: stay one step ahead of the next solar storm hit.
If another major flare erupts, the impact could spread globally. The longer Earth remains in the stormโs path, the more damage could occur.
Until then, all eyes turn to the skies. The auroras may dazzle. But behind the lights, a battle rages between the sun and Earthโs fragile systems.
More updates will follow as scientists monitor this stormโs evolution.
