Senior meteorologist at the British Weather Services, said people should brace for some communication “fallouts”. Muratart / Shutterstock.com
A rare and powerful “cannibal” solar storm is expected to hit Earth today, potentially lighting up the British night sky with the Northern Lights while causing power surges, GPS disruptions and internet issues.
According to the British Geological Society (BGS), the event – described as “one of the biggest storms we’ve seen in 20 years” – began when the Sun ejected a massive burst of charged particles on Sunday. These high-energy waves are now colliding with Earth’s magnetic field, generating powerful electrical currents that can damage satellites, interfere with navigation systems and disturb power grids.
The UK has already recorded its strongest geoelectric field at ground level since measurements began, experts confirmed.
Jim N R Dale, senior meteorologist at the British Weather Services, said people should brace for some communication “fallouts”.
“It’s not the end of the world as we know it,” he told Metro, “but it’s certainly a reminder of the Sun’s immense power, making us appear rather small and exposed.”
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a severe solar storm warning, noting possible voltage irregularities and risks to satellite systems. Astronauts in orbit may experience increased radiation exposure, though those on Earth remain shielded by the planet’s magnetic field.
This dramatic solar event – known as a coronal mass ejection – sees billions of tonnes of plasma hurled into space at speeds of up to 650,000 miles per hour. Several waves are expected to strike Earth between today and Thursday morning, according to the Met Office.
Northern Lights may be visible across the UK
The aurora borealis, normally confined to polar regions, could make a dazzling appearance above the UK. AuroraWatch UK has issued five red alerts, suggesting the lights will likely be visible to the naked eye and cameras across the country.
An amber alert issued late last night indicated that the vivid green, pink and blue ribbons would be most visible from Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland. The Met Office added that while solar winds remain “very strong and turbulent,” they are expected to ease by tomorrow.
Experts recommend stargazers head to dark, rural areas with minimal light pollution and a clear northern view for the best chance to witness the display.
What causes the Northern Lights?
Earth’s magnetic field acts as an invisible shield against the Sun’s charged particles. When these collide with gases in the upper atmosphere – mainly oxygen and nitrogen – they release energy in the form of light, creating the spectacular aurora.
Oxygen produces the familiar green tones, while nitrogen gives rise to purple, pink or blue hues. Rare red lights occur when oxygen interacts with solar particles at very high altitudes.
A rare celestial opportunity
The Sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, known as the “solar maximum”, a period marked by increased solar activity and frequent coronal mass ejections. As a result, the Northern Lights have been visible much farther south than usual in recent months.
While the storm could cause some disruptions to technology and communications, it also offers Britons a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most mesmerising displays – no passport required.
