'Solar Storm Train' Set to Hit Earth, Bring Northern Lights: What to Expect in the Next Hours ?

Aurora hunters are on high alert due to minor geomagnetic storm conditions expected between January 24 and 25. This phenomenon could provide the opportunity to view the northern lights in several northern and upper Midwest states.

Solar storms are of particular fascination to sky and space observers. If these phenomena reach Earth, located 150 million kilometers away, and disrupt its magnetic field, they can cause the appearance of the northern lights at unusual latitudes, such as that of New York.

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Several conditions

However, for this to happen, several conditions must be met. First, “the coronal mass ejection on the surface of the Sun must be perfectly oriented toward our planet.” Second, the solar flare must be powerful enough to travel this immense distance and produce noticeable effects on Earth.

These criteria seem to be met in the next 24 hours. According to the specialists at Space.com, “a train of solar storms” is expected and could hit Earth during the weekend. In scientific jargon, a “train” means a succession of solar storms.

Northern Lights

Experts have noted two consecutive M-class flares that occurred on January 22, which could generate a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm. According to the specialized media, these conditions could allow the northern lights to be observed as far as the latitude of New York.