Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued, Northeast Could Be In For Northern Lights Show
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Get ready, parts of the Northeast may get quite the show Sunday night into Monday.
In fact, a "Geomagnetic Storm Watch" has been issued for July 16-17.
Earlier on Friday a huge sunspot (AR2665 if you are scoring at home) erupted on the surface of our sun. An enormous solar flare (explosion) lasting for more than two hours ejected from the area. This explosion produced what scientists call a "coronal mass ejection (CME)" and it is headed straight for our planet.
A look at last night's coronal mass ejection that is expected to reach earth late Sunday/early Monday. More info at https://t.co/MeWAEZwVXk pic.twitter.com/nddAo1nBtw
— National Weather Service (@NWS) July 14, 2017
When this mass arrives on Sunday, it will likely spark geomagnetic storms and brilliant auroras for the high latitudes.
Pennsylvania is right on the edge of possible auroras.
Be sure to continue checking NOAA's website to see if the path changes over the next couple of days.
Charged particles (coronal mass ejection) from the solar flare will reach the earth Sun. Auroras possible Sun night New England-Great Lakes pic.twitter.com/Nq03C2gFN8
— NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) July 14, 2017