Northern Lights to Light Up 11 US States Tonight Amid Intensifying Solar Storm

Breaking News: Northern Lights Alert Issued for U.S. as Sun's Geomagnetic Storm Intensifies A rare and intense geomagnetic storm is forecast to bring the aurora borealis visible in 11 U.S. states on Tuesday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center. Timeline: The G3-rated geomagnetic storm occurred on Sunday, September 14, with Kp 7-strength displays observed across northern U.S. states as far south as Colorado, Alaska, and Canada. The Kp index is forecast to reach 5 on Tuesday, indicating a strong aurora display. Immediate Impact: Residents in the affected areas are advised to be prepared for potential disruptions to power grids and communication systems due to the intense geomagnetic storm. Sky-watchers are also warned to be cautious when viewing the aurora, as the increased solar activity may cause unexplained lights or electrical discharges. Background Context: Geomagnetic storms occur when a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun interacts with Earth's magnetic field. The resulting disturbance can cause spectacular displays of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. What Happens Next: NOAA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the storm's intensity and potential impacts. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed through local news sources and NOAA's website for the latest information. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Forbes reporting.*