<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0KVtWU_0w2b4yqK00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0KVtWU_0w2b4yqK00" width="1400" height="600" ><figcaption>Photo Credit: From left to right: Lucas Utterback-Forney, Sarah Moschioni-Terrell, Valerie Lack- Kountze, Shawn Gray- Bryan</figcaption></figure>NORTH, Texas — Sky watchers in North Texas might witness a rare spectacle as a strong solar storm could bring the northern lights into view farther south than usual. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 geomagnetic storm warning for October 10 and a G4 geomagnetic storm watch for October 11, 2024, following a powerful coronal mass ejection from the Sun.Typically, the northern lights, or aurora borealis, are visible in regions near the Arctic Circle. However, during heightened solar activity, such as a strong geomagnetic storm, the auroras can extend farther south, sometimes reaching parts of the southern United States, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center.On October 8, a massive solar flare erupted from sunspot AR 3848, launching a coronal mass ejection toward Earth. This event triggered a geomagnetic storm that could disrupt power grids, communication systems, and produce vibrant auroras. A G4 geomagnetic storm, the second-highest level on the SWPC's storm scale, can cause auroras to be visible much farther south than normal. In past G4 storms, auroras were seen in places like Missouri and Oklahoma, suggesting the possibility of visibility in North Texas.For North Texans, witnessing the aurora borealis would be a rare experience. The visibility of the northern lights depends on several factors, including the storm's strength at the time, making it worth keeping an eye on the sky. The sun is currently in an active solar pattern, which means frequent solar storms as it goes through roughly 11-year cycles.Solar storms send ions and electrons toward Earth at high speeds. Most electrons bounce off Earth's protective magnetic field, but some penetrate where the field is weakest, at the poles. These electrons interact with atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen, emitting energy as light, creating the auroras.For those hoping to see the northern lights, the best time would be the night of October 10 into the early morning of October 11. Observers should find a dark area away from city lights to improve their chances. While the likelihood of seeing the auroras in North Texas is slim, people in northern U.S. regions might enjoy spectacular displays.In addition to auroras, the geomagnetic storm could impact satellite communications, GPS systems, and cause minor power grid disruptions. Those relying on these systems should stay alert for possible service interruptions, stated the Space Weather Prediction Center.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Northern lights may be visible in North Texas due to strong solar storm

NORTH, Texas — Sky watchers in North Texas might witness a rare spectacle as a strong solar storm could bring the northern lights into view farther south than usual. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 geomagnetic storm warning for October 10 and a G4 geomagnetic storm watch for October 11, 2024, following a powerful coronal mass ejection from the Sun.