Wed Nov 27 07:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Stunning Auroras Dance Across US Skies After Solar Storm, More Possible on Thanksgiving Weekend
**Washington, D.C.** – A powerful geomagnetic storm, sparked by a coronal mass ejection from the sun, painted the US skies in vibrant pink, red, and green auroras this week, with sightings reported as far south as Texas and Arizona. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) is forecasting further auroral displays for parts of the US over the Thanksgiving weekend.
The SWPC issued a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday and a G2 (moderate) watch for Friday, as charged particles from the solar eruption reach Earth. While these storms are classified as minor to moderate, they were powerful enough to generate unusually widespread aurora views.
This weekend, the SWPC predicts aurora viewing opportunities in northern states and the Upper Midwest, particularly on Friday. However, a major winter storm sweeping across the country may obstruct views for many.
While the auroral displays offer a spectacular light show, the SWPC cautions that geomagnetic storms can also affect technology. Moderate storms like the one expected on Friday could cause fluctuations in power grids and increased drag on low-Earth orbit satellites. The agency continues to monitor solar activity and update its forecasts.
First Piper 