NASA has just issued the first G4 warning in almost 20 years for a period beginning tonight (5/10) because of four solar flares erupting in a general earth-facing direction although not directly at us. Radio and satellite communications may be affected. Aurora may be visible as far south as northern Alabama. It will be better for those of you in the lower 48 than here, as we have daylight now and aurora is no longer visible here unless it is brighter than the sunlight. Go out and look up if you have clear skies tonight into the weekend.
I don't know what a G4 is, but must be to do with a Solar Flare. I found something on youtube about it though, interesting, the sky is falling I say, so what, let'r rip Of course, when it happens I won't be happy about it It's just my negative attitude about the sensationalism that comes from and "news" station or articles https://www.cbsnews.com/news/severe-geomagnetic-storm-watch-issued-unusual-solar-event/
You never know here on the coast, I have telescopes I love to use but they've been stuck in my closet. I'm moving inland, looks like the 20th of June, to my ole stompin grounds. Got an apartment with a balcony finally. Maybe I'll see some starry nights although depends on how much the light from the city interfere I'd rather I just bought binoculars, live and learn
Well, I think I've seen enough in 71 years so definitely be looking up instead of across the courtyard Did I mention I'll be on the top (3rd) floor again just like this one I'm in Glad about that, and I'm facing mountains, but not sure which building I'm in. At least one, if I'm in that one, faces another row of 3rd floor. I'll make a thread on Annie and my move, w/pictures etc.
What time is that supposed to be viewable? It's so light out, but sunny blue skies, doubt I'd be able to see anything I should have read more about it
Ok, re-read @Don Alaska and I see it's at night if it's clear. So we don't have to look at the Sun, this is like a light show, wow man, far out!!
It looks like you should be able to see it if you have clear skies tonight, @Denise Evans. We might even have a chance here in northern Alabama, if we were up late enough to see them and have clear skies.
Pics from outside of Memphis from a guy on another forum: Spaceweather.com has a ton of good pics from around the world. Here
The dome aurora (appearing like a dome overhead) is probably the most unusual form, while the green curtain is the most common. Reds and purples make it more interesting. My wife got good photos from her friends in Iowa and from the UK last night. Watch for it if you have clear skies and darkness.
I see that NOAA has now boosted the solar storm warning to a G5, the first time this has happened since 2003 at Halloween. Probably no disaster, but it will affect the space station and perhaps some satellites. If you are cautious, it may be good to unplug sensitive electronics from the grid as an induced current in the transmission lines is possible. It will mellow out by Sunday.
Wow, wish I hadn't fallen asleep about 3 minutes after my head hit the pillow!! Annie's wearing me out but I sure am sleeping better, and of course, so is she
I gotta think your latitude (position relative to the Earth's magnetic lines of flux) determines--or at least influences--the prevalent forms you are likely to see. It all converges at the poles (well, close to them.)