Watch Issued for Geomagnetic Storm Following Solar Flare

The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G2-level geomagnetic storm alert, indicating a moderate intensity storm. This advisory follows a solar flare observed late Sunday. Although the majority of the ejected material is not directed toward Earth, the center warns that the energetic coronal mass ejections could interact with an incoming high-speed stream from a coronal hole, raising the likelihood of geomagnetic activity on December 34.

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the storm may affect certain technological systems and produce visible auroras over northern regions of the United States. Reports from Space.com noted brief radio interruptions in Australia on Tuesday.

Even minor geomagnetic storms can lead to slight fluctuations in power grids, interfere with satellite functions, and impact migratory animals. Moderate storms, such as a G2 event, have the potential to damage transformers and complicate spacecraft navigation.

NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory captured video of the recent flare. NOAA also notes that further solar flare activity is possible in the coming days due to a large sunspot cluster located in the suns southeast quadrant, with the largest, labeled 4294, being potentially the most active.

Author: Sophia Brooks