CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Residents of northern Wyoming should prepare for a potential celestial display as a coronal mass ejection may lead to increased geomagnetic activity on Jan 22 and 23. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a G2 geomagnetic storm watch.
A geomagnetic storm is a significant disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere, triggered by efficient energy transfer from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth. Such storms often result from solar wind variations that induce major changes in Earth’s magnetosphere’s currents, plasmas and fields.
While the general public need not worry, the aurora may become visible over northern states, potentially as far west as Idaho. The Space Weather Prediction Center advises those eager to witness the aurora to stay updated through their web page.
Solar Flares and CMEs: What to Expect
As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, more sunspots — regions of intense magnetic activity on the sun — are likely, each capable of producing solar flares and CMEs. Solar Cycle 25’s peak could see several impactful space weather events in 2024.
Solar flares, emitting mostly ultraviolet light and X-rays, can reach Earth within eight minutes, potentially disrupting radio signals. CMEs, charged bubbles of solar plasma, take longer to reach Earth but can collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, creating geomagnetic storms.
These geomagnetic storms are responsible for the aurora borealis, or northern lights, visible when electrons from the storms collide with Earth’s atmosphere. The SWPC provides an aurora forecast for those hoping to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder.
Wyoming residents can also look forward to a solar eclipse on April 8, offering a rare view of the sun’s corona.
