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Coronal Mass Ejection

All articles tagged with #coronal mass ejection

Midwest and beyond could see northern lights as solar storm approaches this weekend
space24 days ago

Midwest and beyond could see northern lights as solar storm approaches this weekend

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center warns of a G2 geomagnetic storm on March 19 (UTC) as multiple coronal mass ejections head toward Earth. The activity could push the auroral oval far south, with potential sightings in mid-latitudes including Illinois and New York, depending on CME timing and local conditions. Impacts could begin as early as 11 p.m. ET on March 18, with strongest activity 2–8 a.m. ET on March 19 and possibly lingering into March 20, and a wider window increases the chance for aurora displays given clear skies and favorable magnetic orientation.

Aurora Alert: Northern Lights Visible Across 10 U.S. States Tonight
science1 month ago

Aurora Alert: Northern Lights Visible Across 10 U.S. States Tonight

NOAA SWPC forecasts the Northern Lights will be visible tonight across 10 northern U.S. states (including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine) due to solar winds and a coronal mass ejection; best viewing from about 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. under dark skies away from city lights, with additional chances around the March 20 spring equinox.

Sun Blasts Four X-Class Flares, Hinting at More Turbulent Space Weather
science2 months ago

Sun Blasts Four X-Class Flares, Hinting at More Turbulent Space Weather

Four X-class solar flares (X1.0, X8.1, X2.8, X1.6) erupted from sunspot group RGN 4366 on Feb 1–2, 2026, signaling lively space weather with potential energetic particle events and possible coronal mass ejections. Forecasters say more activity could follow as the active region evolves, with potential impacts on satellites, communications, and power grids if Earth-directed CMEs occur.

science2 months ago

Sun Unleashes Strong X8.1 Flare From Active Region 4366—Glancing CME Expected Earthward

NOAA reports an X8.1 flare from active region 4366, with CME modeling indicating much of the ejected material will pass by Earth to the north and east late Feb 5 UTC, potentially delivering glancing effects. The region remains highly active with ongoing M and X-class flares, and forecasters expect more activity in the coming days.

Sun erupts in powerful flare barrage as volatile sunspot turns Earthward
astronomy2 months ago

Sun erupts in powerful flare barrage as volatile sunspot turns Earthward

Over a 24-hour period the Sun released a barrage of flares from sunspot AR4366, including at least 18 M-class and three X-class events (peaking at X8.3), triggering radio blackouts in parts of the South Pacific and eastern Australia/New Zealand. AR4366 is rapidly growing and could produce more eruptions; a CME is expected but likely to miss Earth or only glance Earth around Feb. 5, potentially elevating high-latitude aurora activity. Forecasters warn conditions remain uncertain as activity continues.

Solar storm lights up auroras from Europe to Southern California, 23-year radiation record broken
space2 months ago

Solar storm lights up auroras from Europe to Southern California, 23-year radiation record broken

A powerful solar radiation storm triggered by an X-class solar flare and a CME struck Earth, producing widespread auroras across Europe and parts of North America, with sightings as far south as Southern California. The storm peaked at G4 (severe) on the geomagnetic scale per NOAA’s SWPC. While dramatic, it wasn’t the strongest in two decades (the 2024 Mother’s Day event held that distinction), but it did set a 23-year record for solar-radiation storms.

Severe Solar Storm Sparks Auroras at Unusual Latitudes
science2 months ago

Severe Solar Storm Sparks Auroras at Unusual Latitudes

Earth is under a severe geomagnetic storm (G4, potentially reaching G5) triggered by a large coronal mass ejection and fast solar wind after an X1.9 flare, fueling strong auroras that could appear at unusually low latitudes; a radiation storm (S4, now subsiding to S2) also poses risks to spacecraft, aviation, and satellites, while power grids and communications may be affected as Earth's magnetic field responds to ongoing solar wind.

Auroras on the Move: Lights Reach Far South Tonight
science2 months ago

Auroras on the Move: Lights Reach Far South Tonight

A powerful X-class solar flare and a fast coronal mass ejection could spark auroral displays much farther south than usual tonight—potentially visible from parts of California, the central Plains, and the Mid-Atlantic, with even deeper-south areas possible. NOAA has issued a rare G4 geomagnetic storm potential, though whether the CME hits Earth head-on remains uncertain. For best viewing, find a dark, clear sky along the northern horizon after sunset.

Mysterious Interstellar Object Approaching Solar System Reveals Unexpectedly Massive Nature
science6 months ago

Mysterious Interstellar Object Approaching Solar System Reveals Unexpectedly Massive Nature

The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, a potentially massive comet-like body, is passing through the solar system at high speed, recently encountering a solar plasma blast from the Sun. Its trajectory and composition are unusual, prompting speculation about its nature, with some scientists considering extraterrestrial origins. It will closely pass Mars next week, providing an opportunity for further observation.

Interstellar Object 3I/Atlas Sparks Scientific and Mystical Speculations
science6 months ago

Interstellar Object 3I/Atlas Sparks Scientific and Mystical Speculations

The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, believed to be a comet, is rapidly traveling through the solar system and recently encountered a solar plasma blast from the Sun. Its trajectory, size, and composition are unusual, prompting speculation about its nature, with some scientists suggesting it could be extraterrestrial technology or a much larger object than previous interstellar visitors. It will pass close to Mars next week, providing an opportunity for further observation.