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Intense Solar Activity Promises More Northern Lights

A returning sunspot could trigger geomagnetic storms, offering another chance to witness auroras in unexpected places.

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NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory of the sun releasing a solar flare on May 29, 2024. The area circled in white is the sunspot releasing the bright flare.
The International Space Station flyby during the Northern Lights in 2024.
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Overview

  • Sunspot AR3697, formerly AR3664, has reemerged, continuing to produce powerful X-class solar flares.
  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts moderate geomagnetic storms, potentially visible from New York to Idaho.
  • Recent solar flares have already caused radio blackouts in the U.S. and Europe.
  • The peak viewing window for potential auroras is expected around June 6, coinciding with a new moon for optimal visibility.
  • Scientists emphasize the unpredictability of solar activity, advising to stay updated with NOAA forecasts.