Solar Flares Trigger Stunning Auroras and Cause Blackouts on Earth

A reverse-polarity sunspot has released a solar flare expected to trigger a moderate to strong geomagnetic storm on Earth either tonight or tomorrow, which could result in auroras similar to those seen in late February and March. The accompanying coronal mass ejection (CME) appears to be headed straight for Earth, and a direct hit from a small CME can cause more auroral activity than a glancing blow from something larger. Observers will have something special to add to the memory if an aurora does occur, as the sunspot region known as AR3296 is large and powerful and has reverse polarity.