G4 Storm Brings Rare Auroras Across U.S.

A severe geomagnetic storm, triggered by a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun, has recently reached Earth, resulting in visible Northern Lights across several U.S. states, including Oklahoma, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Montana. The storm, rated G4 by the Space Weather Prediction Center, poses risks to power grids, satellites, and GPS systems, potentially exacerbating recovery efforts from recent hurricanes like Helene and Milton. This phenomenon has provided a rare opportunity for many to witness the aurora borealis far from the poles, with vibrant colors lighting up the skies in these regions. NOAA and other agencies have issued warnings to infrastructure operators to mitigate potential disruptions. Additionally, scientists have enhanced solar storm prediction capabilities through daily measurements of the Sun’s global coronal magnetic field, which could improve future preparedness for such events.