A rare solar storm triggers Northern Lights in many parts of the country|Solar storm|@nickswhite|X
A G5 geomagnetic storm reached the Earth last night—the strongest to hit the planet in 21 years—according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, creating a dazzling display of the Northern Lights in many parts of the country and around the world.
Geomagnetic conditions could continue this weekend and potentially disrupt telecommunications and power grids in some areas.
Researchers have seen intense solar flares as the sun nears a solar maximum (the peak of activity every 11 years). When energized particles from the sun slam into Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph and interact with the planet’s magnetic field, they interact with gases in the atmosphere to create different colored light in the sky.