Incoming Geomagnetic Storm Expected to Hit Earth on Saturday, Power Grid Outage Possible

For potential G1 storm conditions, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Earth that is in effect until November 5. An unusual Northern Lights or aurora could be produced by the strong geomagnetic storm, with the glowing phenomenon in the night sky being possible as far south as New York, Iowa, and Michigan, according to forecasters who have issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch. Today's update shows there is a possibility of weak power grid fluctuations.

Coronal Hole High-Speed Stream

Because a coronal hole (CH) high-speed stream (HSS) is anticipated to arrive at Earth later on Friday, this most recent geomagnetic storm is caused by it. Most geomagnetic reactions are expected to be unsettled to active as the HSS approaches Earth, but isolated G1 storm levels are highly possible as the HSS strengthens and persists into Saturday.

The Kp index of the storm determines where aurora displays are likely to occur and how likely they will be. Geomagnetic storm intensity is gauged using the K-index and, consequently, the Planetary K-index.

Kp is a good predictor of changes in the Earth's magnetic field, according to the SWPC, and it is used by SWPC to determine whether geomagnetic warnings and alerts must be sent to users who are in the path of these changes. The Kp index can help predict not only how severe a geomagnetic storm's effects will be but also how low in latitude the aurora will be.

Vibrant Aurora

The G1 Moderate Geomagnetic Storm event is expected to have a Kp index of 5, according to the most recent NOAA SWPC forecast. A higher Kp index in the Northern Hemisphere also indicates that the aurora may be visible high above the southern regions of the United States that do not typically experience the Northern Lights. The higher the number, the more vibrant the aurora may be.

The aurora will move south as the Kp index rises; at a Kp index of 7 or higher, it may be visible in the clear skies of Boston, Chicago, and Seattle; at a Kp index of 9, it may be visible in the clear skies of Washington, DC, Denver, Saint Louis, and even Salt Lake City.

However, the current Kp index as of 5:11 AM UT, November 5, is at 2 to 3, according to SpaceWeather data.

Read also: Composite of Coronal Mass Ejection, Million-Mile-Long Plasma Ejection Taken with Camera Modified for Sun Photography 

Geomagnetic Storm Problems, Nov 5 Monitoring Update

Geomagnetic storms can cause more issues than just spectacular aurora. The SWPC rates geomagnetic storms on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 denoting a minor storm and 5 denoting an extreme one. Geomagnetic storms can interfere with satellite and spacecraft communication as well as electrical and electronic equipment, Weatherboy reports.

There could be weak power grid fluctuations, effects on spacecraft operations that might necessitate course corrections, as well as interference with some communications and navigation radio systems, according to the current forecast by NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center.

Since aurora is frequently observable at high latitudes, such as Maine and northern Michigan, the geomagnetic storm may even affect migratory animals as they move through the fall in search of their final winter home and higher levels.

Related article: Bright Aurora Borealis Display Expected to Appear Over Northern US Midweek Due to Geomagnetic Storm