Unique 3D model of the sun with surface activity and solar flares.
Depending on the strength of it, solar storms have potential to cause adverse effects in the atmosphere, including temporary power grid disruptions or satellite failures.
However, NOAA predicts this particular solar storm is a minor event and will only throw off positive effects, including breathtaking auroras splashing across the sky around the world.
North America is predicted to get the best view of colourful skies.
And for Aussies, the further south you are, the better the potential view.
Depending on the strength of it, solar storms have potential to cause adverse effects in the atmosphere, including temporary power grid disruptions or satellite failures.
However, NOAA predicts this particular solar storm is a minor event and will only throw off positive effects, including breathtaking auroras splashing across the sky around the world.
North America is predicted to get the best view of colourful skies.
And for Aussies, the further south you are, the better the potential view.
Aurora australis seen in New Zealand in 2001.
Tasmanians were treated to a spectacular sight in 2001. Picture: Heather Bildstein.
According to the Bureau’s Space Weather Services, a weak storm, like the one that is predicted for today, usually produces an aurora that is visible only from Tasmania.
The most extreme grade has potential to produce auroras as far north as Queensland.
According to the Bureau’s Space Weather Services, a weak storm, like the one that is predicted for today, usually produces an aurora that is visible only from Tasmania.
The most extreme grade has potential to produce auroras as far north as Queensland.
Aurora forecast for the Northern Hemisphere. Picture: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The 2001 solar storm lit up the skies in North Carolina.
The lower solar storm on the scale, called a ‘G1’, can cause slight impact on the operation of satellites and an aurora can be visible at high latitudes, while a ‘G5’, or extreme storm, can cause blackouts, interfere with radio broadcasts, disrupt GPS navigation and produce auroras that extend much further north and south of the poles.
The lower solar storm on the scale, called a ‘G1’, can cause slight impact on the operation of satellites and an aurora can be visible at high latitudes, while a ‘G5’, or extreme storm, can cause blackouts, interfere with radio broadcasts, disrupt GPS navigation and produce auroras that extend much further north and south of the poles.
Space weather officials claimed the strongest solar storm in more than six years was bombarding Earth in 2012. Picture: AP/NASA
Solar storms can be fairly common, with solar activity increasing every 11 years, NASA scientists say, and there’s an uptick in solar flares during these cycles.
Luckily Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field keep us well-protected.
Solar storms can be fairly common, with solar activity increasing every 11 years, NASA scientists say, and there’s an uptick in solar flares during these cycles.
Luckily Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field keep us well-protected.