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May’s geomagnetic storm sparks unique atmospheric changes

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Geomagnetic Storm

A powerful geomagnetic storm that engulfed Earth three months ago altered our atmosphere in unprecedented ways.

The event triggered a unique phenomenon: a massive spiral structure in the thermosphere and the complete obliteration of the ionosphere in the mid-latitude region. The G5 geomagnetic storm on May 10 and 11, caused by a series of seven coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, sparked auroras at latitudes that don’t usually witness them.

Using NASA’s Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) instrument, scientists have been able to track how the storm distorted various layers of Earth’s atmosphere. One of the studies focused on changes in temperature and pressure within the thermosphere. Author Scott England summarized the findings, noting that the intense influx of charged particles during the geomagnetic storm heated the atmosphere near the poles, causing air to move from the poles toward the equator.

A temperature difference of 400 Kelvin (127°C; 260°F) was recorded between the poles and the equator during the storm, giving rise to a “previously unseen structure” in the upper atmosphere. This large-scale structure resembled a swirl or eddy, akin to a colossal hurricane. Describing the event in more accessible terms, England remarked that the storm induced “delightful swirly patterns” in Earth’s upper atmosphere.

Another study using the GOLD instrument observed changes in the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) during the storm. Normally located within 10 to 20 degrees of latitude from the equator, the EIA moved southwards during the event, merging with the aurora near the tip of South America. As the aurora advanced northwards towards the equator, this merger resulted in the complete disappearance of the mid-latitude ionosphere.

The study authors noted that this was the first recorded observation of the nighttime EIA crest merging with the aurora. Currently, scientists are unsure about the implications of these newly observed phenomena. However, with more extreme solar activity expected in 2025, there will be ample opportunities to study the effects of such geomagnetic storms.

England expressed curiosity, stating, “This data poses a lot of questions. Did something really different happen during this geomagnetic storm than has happened previously, or do we just have better instruments to measure the changes?”

The two studies have been published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Geomagnetic storm’s impact on atmosphere

Several continental U.S. states may get another chance to see the Northern Lights on Tuesday night after a series of solar ejections were released toward the Earth over the weekend. Though Tuesday’s aurora is expected to be weaker than previous ones, there is still a viable opportunity for viewing. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated that the aurora borealis will have an increased Kp index, meaning the lights will move further from the poles, becoming “brighter with more auroral activity.” Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) arrived on Earth over the weekend, contributing to the Northern Lights’ visibility.

Despite an unexpectedly strong event observed on Monday, which included some of the most vivid Northern Lights since May’s display, Tuesday night could still offer a notable viewing opportunity. Solar activity has ramped up in recent months as the sun’s 11-year solar cycle approaches its anticipated peak between late 2024 and early 2026. During this time, sunspots are expected to intensify, possibly triggering more geomagnetic storms.

Predicting the exact locations of the Northern Lights can be challenging, but NOAA suggests they may be most visible in Canada and Alaska. In the continental U.S., states within the aurora’s potential view line include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, and the northernmost part of New York. For optimal views of the Northern Lights, NOAA recommends heading to areas as close to the poles as possible, steering clear of city lights and other sources of light pollution.

Ideal viewing times are typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Finding a vantage point, such as a hilltop, and monitoring weather forecasts for clear skies can increase the chances of witnessing this celestial event. Smartphone cameras, especially with night mode enabled, can effectively capture the aurora, even when it’s faint to the naked eye. Ensuring long exposure settings can help in getting the best shots.

The sun’s activity, which follows an approximately 11-year cycle, has led to recent geomagnetic storms resulting in observable Northern Lights. The current cycle, known as Solar Cycle 25, began in December 2019, and its maximum activity is predicted for late 2024 to early 2026. As of August 8, the sunspot number reached 299, the highest since the beginning of Solar Cycle 25 and the most substantial since at least July 2002.

This heightened level of solar activity could mean more frequent and intense Northern Lights displays leading up to 2025, though exact predictions remain challenging. Stay tuned to the NOAA for the latest updates and optimal viewing conditions for the Northern Lights.

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Cameron Wiggins

Cameron is a highly regarded contributor in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. His articles delve into the theoretical underpinnings of AI, the practical applications of machine learning across industries, ethical considerations of autonomous systems, and the societal impacts of these disruptive technologies.
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