🚨 A cloud of solar plasma is on course to reach Earth today
Space weather experts report that a coronal mass ejection (CME) launched by the Sun on June 12 is expected to deliver a glancing blow to Earth’s magnetic field as early as June 16.
The impact will not be direct, but even a near miss can disturb our planet’s magnetic shield and spark spectacular aurora displays.
A CME is a massive eruption of electrically charged plasma and magnetic fields hurled into space from the Sun. These events can eject billions of tons of solar material and travel millions of miles across the solar system. While most CMEs pass Earth harmlessly, those that come close can trigger geomagnetic storms by interacting with our planet’s magnetic field.
In this instance, forecasters anticipate only a minor disturbance. The Sun has been relatively quiet in recent days, with only small flares from a few inactive sunspot regions. Nevertheless, the earlier CME remains on track to pass near enough to Earth to cause a temporary increase in geomagnetic activity.
A weak G1 geomagnetic storm is possible. While this level is unlikely to cause significant disruptions, it can push the northern lights farther south than usual. Under favorable conditions, residents in cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Oslo, and Stockholm may get a chance to see the auroras if skies are clear.
The visibility of auroras will ultimately depend on the orientation of the CME’s magnetic field upon arrival. A well-aligned field can allow more solar energy to reach Earth, boosting the chances of a visible display.
For now, experts stress that this will likely be nothing more than a glancing blow, a minor space weather event rather than a major storm.