Geomagnetic Storm Triggers Aurora Displays Across Northern Us

A strong geomagnetic storm, originating from a coronal hole on the Sun, triggered vibrant displays of the Northern Lights across parts of the northern U.S. overnight into Thursday. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) reported that strong (G3) geomagnetic storm levels were reached early Thursday. The solar storm is a result of influences from a negative-polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS). These coronal holes appear as dark voids on the Sun, containing cooler, less dense plasma that streams out at faster speeds. While the peak intensity of the aurora occurred early Thursday, moderate geomagnetic storming is forecast to continue on Friday. The SWPC warns of potential minor power grid fluctuations, a slight risk to satellite operations, and intermittent GPS degradation.