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NOAA forecasts G1 to G2 geomagnetic storms possible over July 4 weekend from incoming solar eruptions
Forbes reported that several coronal mass ejections are approaching Earth and may produce geomagnetic storms through July 5. Aurora could appear across northern and midwestern states overnight on July 3-4.
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Multiple coronal mass ejections are heading for Earth and could produce G1 to G3 geomagnetic storms over the July 4 holiday weekend, Forbes reported. The ejections, clouds of magnetic fields and charged particles from the sun, stream into space at up to 1,900 miles per second.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast G1-G2 conditions likely by July 3-4 from the arrival of a June 30 ejection tied to an X1.1 flare. The UK Met Office stated geomagnetic activity is likely to reach active to G1 levels with a chance of isolated G2 intervals and a slight chance of G3 on July 3 in Universal Time, or early July 4 in North America.
At least three ejections that left the sun on July 1 could reach Earth on July 5.
During G2 conditions, northern parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine stand a chance of seeing aurora. States farther south including Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire may also see displays.
If G3 conditions occur, viewers under dark skies in Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland could see aurora.
The waning Strawberry Moon will be in the southern sky after midnight, and long daylight hours after last week’s solstice may reduce visibility. Aurora watchers should look north around midnight, avoid bright lights and use long-exposure camera settings if skies are clear. Cameras often detect faint aurora before the human eye registers color.
