The Sun has been showing off spectacular displays recently, and this week is no exception. A massive eruption of plasma, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), has been released from the Sun and is heading toward Earth.
The CME, which is expected to reach our planet today, is part of a larger wave of solar activity during this solar maximum, a period of heightened solar flare activity. Scientists are warning of a strong solar storm as a result of this CME, which could lead to geomagnetic disturbances on Earth.
Sunspot 3936's Flares Ignite Stunning Auroras Worldwide
The Sun's activity has been particularly intense this year, with multiple X-class flares and numerous M-class flares released from a sunspot region called 3936.
These flares are some of the most powerful solar events, and while there have been even stronger flares this year, the ones from this sunspot have been significant enough to cause brief radio blackouts, particularly in the southern hemisphere.
According to IFL Science, the CME coming from sunspot region 3936 is the one most relevant to the current solar storm warning. It is expected to hit Earth today, potentially causing a dramatic light show in the night skies. While this solar storm is not expected to cause major disruptions on Earth, the aurora displays could be visible much farther south than usual.
In the United States, the northern lights might be visible as far south as Iowa, and in Europe, the auroras could stretch across Scandinavia and the United Kingdom.
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are caused when electrically charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth's magnetic field. These particles release energy in the form of light, creating the colorful displays in the sky.
Solar Activity Delivers Stunning New Year's Light Show, More Auroras to Come in January
The solar storm, expected to peak on December 31, has already triggered some stunning aurora displays around the world. Areas in the southern hemisphere, such as parts of Australia, are also expected to see the aurora australis, or southern lights, during the peak, Space said.
While many people were celebrating New Year's Eve with fireworks, Earth joined in with its own natural display. A second CME struck Earth later that night, increasing the intensity of the geomagnetic storm.
The northern lights were visible as far south as California, and skywatchers across Europe and North America enjoyed the colorful spectacle.
Some regions, such as the Mojave Desert in the US and Scotland in the UK, were lucky enough to witness these auroras, despite cloudy weather that canceled many fireworks displays.
The solar activity isn't over yet. The Sun has started the new year with another CME, and more auroras are expected in early January.
These solar events continue to fascinate scientists and skywatchers alike. As Earth faces the impact of these solar storms, researchers are studying the effects of such solar flares on Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.
The ongoing solar maximum promises to bring even more opportunities for these incredible natural light shows, offering a stunning reminder of the Sun's power and influence over our planet.
