A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere that occurs when there is a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning for Tuesday (January 20) of a severe geomagnetic storm (G4), describing it as the third strongest event of its kind since records began in 1976.
Possible impacts of a severe geomagnetic storm (G4)
- Auroras may extend to magnetic latitude 45°.
- Widespread issues may occur in power-grid voltage control systems.
- Spacecraft may experience surface charging and possible communication and attitude-control problems.
- Electrical currents may be induced in pipelines.
- High-frequency (HF) radio communications may be intermittently disrupted.
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A strong geomagnetic storm could interact with Earth`s atmosphere within the next 24 hours, bringing the potential for northern lights much further south in the U.S.