Don’t count on seeing the northern lights tonight across the Big Country

BIG COUNTRY, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – With lots of talk about the northern lights becoming visible for many regions across the U.S., it is quite unlikely that any of the Big Country will be included in this spectacular light show. Here is what you need to know regarding the timeline of this storm and if visibility is even a factor for the Big Country.

On the evening of October 8, a fast coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the sun. The CME was expected to arrive at Earth on Thursday, October 10. In preparation for this arrival, a Geomagnetic (G4) Severe Storm Watch was implemented for October 10-11.

At 10:15 a.m. Central Standard Time, at nearly 1.5 million miles per hour, the anticipated coronal mass ejection arrived at Earth. According to NOAA, “The CME strength and structure are being closely scrutinized for potential geomagnetic storm intensity, but, G3 levels are now expected due to the magnitude and potential of the CME, therefore G3 or greater warning has been issued. G4 (Severe) levels remain likely with the watch still in effect and even a slight chance of G5 (Extreme) levels due to initial observations of the CME strength.”

NOAA also stated that this storm could impact ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in several critical ways:

• Communications: Systems that depend on low-Earth orbit satellites or high-frequency communication may experience disruptions.
• Power grids: The storm could put additional stress on power grids already weakened by the hurricanes.
• GPS services: Navigation systems, especially those relied upon in disaster relief, may be degraded.

At 11:57 a.m. Central Standard Time, G4 conditions were reached. That said, a G4 or greater Geomagnetic Storm Watch remains in effect for today and Friday.

Above are two different maps of the view lines for the aurora. Both maps represent tonight and tomorrow, while the G4 Storm Watch is expected. Tonight, the aurora is only expected to be visible as far south as Kansas. Tomorrow night, the aurora is only expected to be visible as far as South Dakota.

For more updates regarding the geomagnetic storm, visit here.

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