Widespread aurora display: Strongest solar storm for six years hits

One of the strongest geomagnetic storms in six years produced a dazzling display of auroras overnight.

As a severe G4-class geomagnetic storm, experts say last night’s event was the most intense since 2017.

The solar storm persisted for around eight hours and while solar winds were expected after a coronal mass ejection from the sun its arrival was a surprise to solar forecasters.

A G4-class storm has the potential to disrupt power grids and satellites, further impacting GPS services and radio broadcasts. The impact of last night’s event is not yet known.

Intense auroras reached as far south as Slovenia, and were witnessed across the UK and Ireland despite inclement weather.

This may be in part thanks to Monday’s vernal equinox. Studies show that auroras often peak alongside the two equinoxes of the year. It is thought that as the planet’s magnetic poles tilt towards the sun at the time of the equinox Earth is primed to catch solar winds.

In 2025 the sun will reach the most active stage of its 11-year solar cycle and aurora activity is already rising.

Over the next two years we can expect more frequent, and intense, aurora displays as activity on the surface of our nearest star strengthens.

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