A ‘cannibal’ solar storm is set to spark an ‘extreme’ geomagnetic storm, disrupting communications and triggering spectacular Northern Lights displays
Three coronal mass ejections from the Sun have formed a ‘cannibal’ solar storm(Image: Science Photo Library RF/Getty Images)
The largest solar storm in two decades could trigger power blackouts, satellite disruptions and vibrant Northern Lights displays across the UK tonight, scientists have warned.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) upgraded its geomagnetic forecast to the highest intensity level on Wednesday (November 12) amid an ongoing solar storm, which prompted aurora displays across the UK overnight.
It comes after a series of powerful solar eruptions hit Earth’s magnetic field, triggering a rare ‘G5’ geomagnetic storm – the highest category on the scale used by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Geomagnetic storms are caused by solar activity interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. According to the BGS, current predictions suggest that a second storm, feeding off the first, will result in potentially the largest solar storm to hit our planet in over two decades.
This so-called ‘cannibal storm’ has the potential to achieve the maximum level of G5 and have significant impacts on technology both in space and on Earth, including communication systems, global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite orbits.
The Northern Lights are set to dazzle the UK once again(Image: Getty Images)
Dr Gemma Richardson, BGS Geomagnetic Hazard Specialist, said: “Space weather can have a real impact on the lives of people across the planet.
“BGS records real-time data of geomagnetic conditions, underpinning the national forecast service. Our data suggests that this event could be one of the biggest storms we’ve seen in 20 years.”
Last night’s geomagnetic event has already disrupted communications and GPS satellite accuracy. At ground level, it created the biggest measured geoelectric field since BGS records began in 2012, the research organisation said
The BGS said Wednesday’s night geomagnetic storm has the potential to reach a similar magnitude to the storm in May 2024, which triggered spectacular aurora displays across large parts of the UK.
If skies are clear, forecasters say there is an increased chance of seeing the aurora borealis from the UK tonight, with observers in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland having the best chance.
Aurora maps show a high chance of visible Northern Lights at midnight tonight(Image: The Met Office)
Met Office Space Weather Manager Krista Hammond said: “Multiple coronal mass ejections have reached Earth in recent days, with another one likely to arrive later today.
“This event is likely to be of a similar magnitude to the one in May 2024, which brought auroras across much of England and Wales.
“However, on this occasion, the weather will hamper viewing potential for many, with thick cloud and rain for much of the country.
“The best visibility is likely to be in the north of Scotland on Wednesday night, though there is a chance of some breaks in the cloud at times in the southeast in the night.”
According to Met Office aurora maps, the best time to catch a glimpse of the aurora tonight is from 9pm until 3am, with the strongest activity forecast at around midnight.
The BGS stressed that it is not possible to say with certainty exactly how big the storm will be. However, satellite observations suggest the event will be significant.
It said early indications, such as ground measurements of solar energetic particles, are some of the largest recorded since 2005.