On Friday night, the United States and other parts of the world experienced a remarkable celestial event as an extreme G5 geomagnetic storm, the highest classification by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, facilitated a brilliant display of the Northern Lights. This phenomenon, usually seen in polar regions, extended its reach across much of the United States due to a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that preceded it.
Reports emerged of the Northern Lights, characterized by vibrant greens and pinks, being visible as far south as Florida, with the aurora being observed from Maine through New Mexico. The last time such widespread visibility occurred was around Halloween in 2003, which also led to significant electrical disruptions in Sweden and South Africa.
This time, however, as of Friday, no major disruptions were reported, despite concerns about potential impacts on power grids, communication systems, and space operations. This geomagnetic storm was closely monitored for its potential to disrupt navigation systems, radio communications, and even cause widespread internet outages.
The Space Weather Prediction Center had initially forecasted a severe G4 storm, which was later upgraded to G5, indicating a potential for more severe disruption. Such storms are capable of causing “widespread voltage control problems and protective system problems,” potentially leading to grid collapses and transformer damages.
The visual spectacle began as the sun set on Friday, with the National Weather Service in Jackson, Kentucky, advising skywatchers to look north and allow time for their eyes to adjust to the dark. The most vibrant displays were captured on cameras set to night mode, which uses long shutter speeds.
Social media platforms, particularly X, were inundated with images and reactions. In Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West, the sightings were so unexpected that even seasoned forecasters were surprised. NWS meteorologist Luke Culver shared his awe on X, stating, “Unbelievable! I never would’ve thought I’d see it…the aurora in South Florida.”
NASA also kept a close watch on the storm’s effects on the International Space Station and its crew, but reported no anomalies. Meanwhile, travelers in the air, like FOX Weather Exclusive Storm Tracker Mark Sudduth, also witnessed the aurora, adding to the numerous ground-level observations.
This geomagnetic event, forecasted to last until Sunday, May 12, 2024, stands as the most intense solar event to strike the Earth in nearly two decades, offering a stunning reminder of nature’s power and beauty.
Finally got to see the northern lights with my own eyes!
Stunning aurora borealis in NE Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/xo2Yqrme0u
— Marc 🇺🇸 (@gopher_marc) May 11, 2024
Cool Ridge, WV pic.twitter.com/Bj5SLz2nzL
— Josh Vance (@DisturbedOne92) May 11, 2024
Here in Georgia pic.twitter.com/ZNttkAgZPp
— Sassypiehole (@sassypiehole) May 11, 2024
Lake Wylie, SC pic.twitter.com/4yNtIvcZCw
— 𝕄𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕖𝕝 (@RenegadeNole85) May 11, 2024
That's from my front yard in northern Crawford county Arkansas pic.twitter.com/Gg7FRP4eHY
— USMC Lady Vet 🇺🇸 (@Arkypatriot) May 11, 2024
More shots of Northern Lights from South Louisiana. Abita Springs 📷: Heather LaBauve pic.twitter.com/eD4zlXl1F2
— Payton Malone WWL-TV (@paytonmalonewx) May 11, 2024
Northern lights spotted in Lafayette, Colorado 🤩 pic.twitter.com/n53rLkG5dI
— Michael Beckel (@mjbeckel) May 11, 2024
The iPhone’s night mode exposure caught the Northern Lights in the middle of nowhere Nebraska. Pretty rad. pic.twitter.com/31oELGz1Gy
— John Frerichs (@JayFrayAllDay) May 11, 2024
NORTHERN LIGHTS IN NORTH TEXAS: Thanks to the solar storm hitting Earth, some North Texas viewers are starting to see the aurora borealis! Here are some of the dazzling images. Show us your pictures! Make sure to include your location. https://t.co/kP1Lvcig1y pic.twitter.com/OydOJxL1Ay
— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) May 11, 2024