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A powerful geomagnetic storm, classified as G5—the highest level on the space weather scale, has struck Earth following a series of intense solar eruptions. This rare event was triggered by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun that merged and slammed into Earth’s magnetic field with unexpected force.
The storm is part of the Sun’s current solar maximum, a peak in its 11-year activity cycle. It arrived earlier than forecasted, catching scientists and skywatchers off guard. The result has been breathtaking: auroras lighting up skies far beyond the polar regions, with sightings reported across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Key Impacts:
Auroras: Visible in areas as far south as Colorado, Kansas, and parts of central Europe.
Power grid risks: High-energy particles can induce currents in transformers and pipelines, potentially leading to outages.
Satellite disruptions: GPS and communication systems may experience interference or orbital shifts.
Air travel: Flights over polar routes may be rerouted due to elevated radiation levels.
The most intense solar activity came from sunspot region AR4274, which continues to emit solar material. Space agencies are monitoring the situation closely, with additional solar impacts possible in the coming days. A G3-level storm watch remains in effect through November 8.
If skies are clear in your area, this could be a rare chance to witness auroras without traveling to the poles.