A geomagnetic storm of unprecedented strength has sent shockwaves across the US, bathing dozens of states in an otherworldly display of colored lights. The aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, was visible in more than a dozen states, stretching from New York to Washington state, Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
The spectacular sight was made possible by charged solar particles colliding with gases in the Earth's upper atmosphere, creating an electrifying spectacle of color and light. Photos and videos pouring in on social media showed the breathtaking beauty of the northern lights, with glowing colors dancing across the night sky in a mesmerizing display.
According to forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), two powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) had already reached Earth, packing a punch that was eight times stronger than normal. This intense geomagnetic storm has been causing widespread disruptions to communication and navigation systems.
The third CME is expected to arrive later today, with forecasters predicting it will be the final and most energetic of the three. Meteorologist Marc Chenard warned that while the northern lights could return again on Wednesday night, clouds may block views for those in parts of the west coast and north-east.
As of 9am ET on Wednesday, the SWPC reported G3 conditions were currently being observed, with a chance for higher levels possible throughout the day as another CME is expected to arrive midday. The intense geomagnetic storm has sent shockwaves across the US, leaving a trail of wonder and awe in its wake.
The display of colored lights was visible across dozens of states, from New York to Washington state, Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The spectacular sight was made possible by charged solar particles colliding with gases in the Earth's upper atmosphere, creating an electrifying spectacle of color and light.
Forecasters at the SWPC warned that while the northern lights could return again on Wednesday night, clouds may block views for those in parts of the west coast and north-east. The intense geomagnetic storm has sent shockwaves across the US, leaving a trail of wonder and awe in its wake.
The spectacular sight was made possible by charged solar particles colliding with gases in the Earth's upper atmosphere, creating an electrifying spectacle of color and light. Photos and videos pouring in on social media showed the breathtaking beauty of the northern lights, with glowing colors dancing across the night sky in a mesmerizing display.
According to forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), two powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) had already reached Earth, packing a punch that was eight times stronger than normal. This intense geomagnetic storm has been causing widespread disruptions to communication and navigation systems.
The third CME is expected to arrive later today, with forecasters predicting it will be the final and most energetic of the three. Meteorologist Marc Chenard warned that while the northern lights could return again on Wednesday night, clouds may block views for those in parts of the west coast and north-east.
As of 9am ET on Wednesday, the SWPC reported G3 conditions were currently being observed, with a chance for higher levels possible throughout the day as another CME is expected to arrive midday. The intense geomagnetic storm has sent shockwaves across the US, leaving a trail of wonder and awe in its wake.
The display of colored lights was visible across dozens of states, from New York to Washington state, Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The spectacular sight was made possible by charged solar particles colliding with gases in the Earth's upper atmosphere, creating an electrifying spectacle of color and light.
Forecasters at the SWPC warned that while the northern lights could return again on Wednesday night, clouds may block views for those in parts of the west coast and north-east. The intense geomagnetic storm has sent shockwaves across the US, leaving a trail of wonder and awe in its wake.
! I mean, have you seen those pics of the northern lights dancing across the night sky? Mind blown 
! The fact that it's visible in like 40 states is just wild. And to think, it's all because of some charged solar particles colliding with our atmosphere... science, am I right? 
But for real, what a beautiful sight. I wish I could've seen it myself 
. Maybe the clouds will part ways and we'll get another show later today? Fingers crossed! 
. And can you believe those charged solar particles are like, colliding with our atmosphere and creating all this magic 
. I'm no scientist but even I know that's some intense geomagnetic stuff 
️. It's not just the lights themselves though, it's the whole experience of watching something so breathtaking and otherworldly in real life 
.
But for real tho, 8 times stronger than normal CMEs is some wild stuff. Guess our tech isn't as strong as our lights 
. On the bright side, who needs Wi-Fi when you can see a million colors in the sky? 
i've always wanted to see it in person and now i'm even more determined to try 
. but at the same time, i feel bad for those living on the west coast who might miss out on the views due to clouds 
. anyway, i love how science-y this is - charged solar particles colliding with gases in the atmosphere creating an electrifying spectacle of color and light 
.
I was up all night watching the northern lights with my friends and it was SO EPIC 
. I was in NYC and I could see it all the way to NJ 
️
. It's crazy that scientists say this is 8x stronger than normal 
. The fact that the northern lights are visible across dozens of states is a testament to the awe-inspiring power of solar activity 
!
And to think we're still dealing with the aftermath of it... communication and navigation systems are being disrupted 
. But honestly, isn't this just a reminder of how tiny our planet is in the grand scheme? I mean, the Earth's upper atmosphere can be affected by solar particles from millions of miles away! Mind blown! 
i hope they took pics & vids cuz i wanna c them lol 
wut if they cant get their wifi 
anywayz gotta say tho this is soooo cool 
omg did u guys see that crazy aurora borealis display on tv last nite? 
all i know is its like a big ol' light show up in the sky 
. and yeah i heard it's been causin some trouble with communication n navigation systems 
omg, who needs a light show when you can just have it on repeat like 8 times stronger than normal?! 