Aurora Borealis Visible in US as G2 Geomagnetic Storm Strikes Earth
In recent months, there have been multiple occurrences of solar storms and geomagnetic storms, and it is anticipated that their occurrence will become even more frequent as we approach the solar maximum, projected to occur in 2025. This phase marks the peak of solar activity in the Sun’s 11-year cycle, leading to a higher occurrence of hazardous solar events like solar storms, flares, CMEs, geomagnetic storms, and others.
A few days ago, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted that the CME was on its way to Earth and could hit the planet on September 2nd. This event has now occurred and it has made it an amazing sight in parts of the United States.
A geomagnetic storm sparks the aurora borealis
According to a report by spaceweather.com, the CME, which was reported to hit on September 2nd, did make an impact, but strangely, the solar wind data showed no sign of an impact. This is perhaps also due to the solar wind blowing strongly, which masked its effect. However, this CME was likely behind the G2 geomagnetic storm that erupted on the same day. The geomagnetic storm also produced fascinating mid-latitude northern lights in the United States.
Photographer Ethan Hohnke captured the breathtaking aurora borealis at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire, Michigan on September 2 at 9:45 p.m. local time and shared the stellar image in an Instagram post. Speaking to Spaceweather, Hohnke said: “Last night was absolutely epic!! The Northern Lights could be seen dancing on the waters of Lake Michigan before the bright moon rose. I was standing near the 45th parallel when I took this photo.”
The G2 geomagnetic storm not only sparked the aurora borealis, but may also have caused voltage fluctuations in high-altitude power systems. In addition, it has probably caused interference with the propagation of HF radio.
Effect of weak CMEs
According to NOAA, even a weak CME effect can spark the aurora this time of year due to the Russell-McPherron effect. During the autumnal equinox, which is September 23, the Sun is directly above the equator, when day and night are of equal length.
As a side effect, there is a semiannual variation in the effective southern component of the interplanetary field. Cracks form in the Earth’s magnetic field, which can allow even weak solar winds to penetrate.
