A geomagnetic storm watch has been issued following a powerful solar flare that occurred on November 30, 2023. The flare peaked at 9:49 p.m. EST, as reported by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which continuously monitors solar activity. Classified as an X1.9 flare, this event is significant as X-class flares represent the most intense category of solar flares.
The solar flare originated from a newly emerging sunspot, identified as AR4299. It caused a temporary disruption in radio communications across Australia and parts of Southeast Asia on December 3, according to Space.com. In addition to the flare, a coronal mass ejection (CME) also took place. CMEs involve the expulsion of solar material and magnetic fields from the sun, differing from flares, although both can affect technology on Earth.
Impacts from solar flares and CMEs can include disruption to radio communications, power grids, and navigation signals. Furthermore, they pose potential risks to spacecraft and astronauts in orbit. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center indicates that when CMEs reach Earth, they can lead to geomagnetic storms.
NOAA has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for December 4, 2023. While the CME itself is not expected to reach Earth, NOAA states there could be minor impacts, resulting in “manageable effects to some technological infrastructure.” The forecast carries some uncertainty, suggesting that the storm might arrive as early as December 3.
There is potential for the Northern Lights to be visible in the northern and upper regions of the United States, spanning from New York to Idaho. However, weather forecasts indicate that a powerful winter storm could hinder visibility of this phenomenon.
According to NOAA, scientists anticipate increased space weather activity from December 1 to December 5, as the sunspot AR4299 continues its rotation to face Earth. As solar activity fluctuates, monitoring these events remains critical for ensuring technological systems and safety in space.
