A significant geomagnetic storm is anticipated tonight, October 10, 2024, potentially allowing the northern lights to be visible as far south as Alabama. This phenomenon, typically confined to northern regions, is expected due to strong solar emissions.
Steve Runnels, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, emphasized that this event presents a unique opportunity for the public to witness the interaction between solar activity and Earth's atmosphere. With clear skies projected, observers may see vibrant red hues in the night sky, particularly if they venture away from urban light pollution.
While the exact timing remains uncertain, the auroras could be visible from 10 p.m. onward. Runnels noted that the intensity of the storm, driven by coronal mass ejections from the sun, will peak during the night.
As the sun is currently in an active cycle, the frequency of such events is expected to increase, with the most intense emissions predicted to occur through 2026. This storm is part of a larger pattern of solar activity that affects not only the visibility of auroras but also GPS and radio communications.