"Record-Breaking Solar Flare Promises Spectacular Northern Lights Display"
TL;DR Summary
A surge in solar activity in mid-December 2023 resulted in vibrant auroras across the northern latitudes of Earth. The auroras were captured by the VIIRS on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite, which detects nighttime light in various wavelengths. These auroras were likely caused by coronal mass ejections observed a few days earlier, which interact with Earth's upper atmosphere to produce colorful displays. The Sun's activity is increasing as it approaches the peak of solar cycle 25, expected in July 2025. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections are monitored to track solar activity and their potential impact on Earth.
Topics:science#auroras#coronal-mass-ejections#science-and-technology#solar-activity#solar-flares#space-weather
- Auroras Light Up the North nasa.gov
- Northern Lights Could Put on a Show in Southern Reaches of U.S. The New York Times
- Strongest solar flare in years could create awesome northern lights display: What to know USA TODAY
- Geomagnetic storm could bring dazzling display of Northern Lights before Christmas Fox Weather
- A solar flare that hit the Earth on Thursday was “likely” one of the largest ever recorded. The Verge
Reading Insights
Total Reads
0
Unique Readers
0
Time Saved
1 min
vs 2 min read
Condensed
69%
316 → 98 words
Want the full story? Read the original article
Read on nasa.gov