Solar Storm Hits ‘Severe’ G4 Level

The International Civil Aviation Organization reported severe impacts on high-frequency radio communications at high latitudes, potentially impacting long-haul flights.

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 02:08 PM ET

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Aurorae dance over Ashokan Reservoir in upstate New York during the May 10/11, 2024, geomagnetic storm — the last time a G4-level watch was issued. [Credit: Chirag Upreti]

Key Takeaways:

On October 8, an X-class solar flare caused a G4 geomagnetic storm, which is expected to produce strong auroral displays visible across a wide range, including as far south as Alabama.
This intense geomagnetic activity poses risks, including disruptions to GPS and radio communications, potential damage to satellites, and strain on power grids.
The current event is part of an unusually dramatic Solar Cycle 25, which is nearing its peak, leading to more frequent and unpredictable strong solar weather.

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On October 8, an X-class solar flare gave rise to a coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the surface of the Sun, racing toward Earth at 1.5 million mph (2.4 million km/h). It arrived at Earth at 11:15 a.m. EDT Thursday. At 12:57 p.m. EDT, the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) reported that the geomagnetic storm triggered by the CME had reached G4 status — the second highest level.

SWPC expects strong auroral shows tonight. Aurorae are expected across the northern U.S., and could be seen as far south as Alabama.