A Geomagnetic Storm Warning has been extended through Tuesday following the arrival of energetic particles from the Sun. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) announced the warning for Monday night, which has now been prolonged into Tuesday night.
This alert was prompted by a coronal mass ejection (CME) that delivered charged particles to Earth's atmosphere overnight on Monday. Typically, CMEs take approximately three days to reach our planet after being expelled from the Sun.
The SWPC categorizes solar storms using a five-level scale, with five representing the most severe conditions. On Tuesday, a minor geomagnetic storm, rated Level 1 out of 5, is anticipated.
The SWPC indicated that the Level 1 warning was issued due to the CME lacking the magnetic field orientation required to escalate to higher levels.
Minor geomagnetic storms are frequently observed. NASA reported nearly 40 CMEs occurred last week, although most did not affect space weather on Earth.
Such storms can produce striking displays of the Aurora Borealis, particularly visible in Canada and Alaska.
Current forecasts suggest that impacts may extend beyond the Northern Lights, potentially causing minor fluctuations in power grids.
As Earth approaches the new year, more intense geomagnetic storms are expected. NOAA and NASA have confirmed that the Sun is currently at solar maximum, a peak phase of sunspot activity in its 11-year cycle, with heightened activity anticipated to persist until 2025.