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**Summary:**

A powerful solar storm, potentially a “cannibal CME” formed by two merged coronal mass ejections, is headed towards Earth and is expected to arrive between September 1st and 2nd. This could trigger strong geomagnetic storms (G3 level), leading to potentially spectacular aurora displays that may be visible further south than usual, possibly as far as the northern U.S. The storm is expected to peak on September 2nd and aurora activity could continue into September 3rd. While the moon may impact visibility, skywatchers are encouraged to be on alert for the Northern Lights.

**News Article:**

**Labor Day Aurora Alert: ‘Cannibal CME’ Could Supercharge Northern Lights**

**New York, NY –** Get ready for a possible light show! A powerful solar storm is barreling towards Earth, potentially igniting stunning aurora displays across the northern hemisphere just in time for the Labor Day weekend.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued an alert for a significant geomagnetic storm expected to hit Earth late on September 1st into early September 2nd (UTC). The storm is fueled by a coronal mass ejection (CME) launched from sunspot Active Region 4199 on August 30th.

Adding to the excitement, space weather experts, including physicist Tamitha Skov, suggest this CME may be a “cannibal CME.” This occurs when one CME overtakes and merges with another, potentially amplifying the storm’s impact.

“The larger one catches up with the smaller one just ahead of Earth, so a precursor disturbance may indeed ramp up before the larger storm hits,” Skov wrote on X.

NOAA predicts the storm will initially trigger G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storming, intensifying to G3 (strong) levels on September 2nd. This could push the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, further south than usual.

The U.K. Met Office predicts an “significantly enhanced” auroral oval and displays possibly visible as far south as East Anglia, the Midlands, and Wales under clear skies.

While a waxing gibbous moon may affect visibility, the expected intensity of the storm offers a good chance to witness the aurora. G3 storms can bring auroras to mid-latitudes, potentially making them visible in states like Oregon, Illinois, and New York.

The good news? Aurora conditions are expected to remain elevated into September 3rd, offering multiple opportunities to catch the dazzling display. While beautiful, these storms can also disrupt satellites, radio communications, and even power grids during stronger events.

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