Latest news with #SpaceWeatherPredictionCentre
1News
a day ago
- Climate
- 1News
Stunning aurora may dazzle southern skies again tonight
An aurora that lit up the South Island and reached as far north as Auckland last night could make another appearance on Monday night, though it's not expected to be visible as far north this time. Aurora over Houghton Bay, Wellington on June 1, 2025. (Source: Allan Scadden) South Islanders witnessed the light show earlier on Sunday night, while some North Islanders were also said to be experiencing the spectacle. Aurora over Auckland Muriwai Beach. (Source: Michael Schollum) Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre predicted the phenomenon was expected to be seen overnight and continuing into Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Photo taken in Dunedin. (Source: Amy Rankin) Predicting the exact timing and intensity was difficult, NOAA said, but it had the potential to become a "significant geomagnetic storm", though not on par with the May 2024 event. Aurora from Methven, Canterbury (Source: Taylor Harmer) The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle when there are more solar storms, aurorae and sunspots. Photo taken in Kaikōura Peninsula. (Source: Sai Shankar) Astronomer Rob Davison told 1News in May last year that there were a few key things to remember for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of an aurora. "Increased solar activity improves the chances of a good auroral display, but it does not guarantee it," he said. ADVERTISEMENT (Source: Sam Sword.) "Aurorae can also peak and then disappear in a relatively short amount of time. "Getting as far south and as far away from light pollution as possible will improve your chances. Photo taken in Dunedin. (Source: Rich Watt) "People should also remember to wrap up warm, as they may need to be outside for some time while their eyes adjust to the dark and while they wait for the peak of any display to appear." Photo taken from Kuri Bush, Dunedin. (Source: Cheryl Moeke) (Source: Aleisha Smith) Photo taken in Invercargill. (Source: Melissa Shuttleworth)
Mint
2 days ago
- Climate
- Mint
In Pics: Northern lights dazzle across the US sky in a mesmerising display
In Pics: Northern lights dazzle across the US sky in a mesmerising display 5 Photos . Updated: 02 Jun 2025, 11:04 AM IST Share Via A powerful geomagnetic storm is expected to illuminate the US skies from Sunday night into early Monday, giving millions a rare chance to witness the aurora borealis far beyond the Arctic Circle. 1/5The northern lights occur when coronal mass ejections, bursts of solar material, collide with Earth's magnetic field. (X) 2/5According to the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Centre, the aurora borealis could be visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama. (X) 3/5The brightest display of the Northern lights is expected in northern states, such as Michigan and Washington. (X) 4/5Residents in the central Plains, Midwest, and even parts of the South and Mid-Atlantic might also catch a glimpse of the glow along the northern horizon. (X)
1News
2 days ago
- Climate
- 1News
Photos: Aurora lights up night sky across New Zealand
An aurora dazzled South Islanders and was later visible across parts of New Zealand as far north as Auckland last night. Aurora over Houghton Bay, Wellington on June 1, 2025. (Source: Allan Scadden) South Islanders reportedly witnessed the light show earlier on Sunday night, while some North Islanders were also said to be experiencing the spectacle. Aurora over Auckland Muriwai Beach. (Source: Michael Schollum) Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre predicted the phenomenon was expected to be seen overnight. ADVERTISEMENT Photo taken in Dunedin. (Source: Amy Rankin) Predicting the exact timing and intensity was difficult, NOAA said, but it had the potential to become a "significant geomagnetic storm", though not on par with the May 2024 event. Aurora from Methven, Canterbury (Source: Taylor Harmer) The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle when there are more solar storms, aurorae and sunspots. Photo taken in Kaikōura Peninsula. (Source: Sai Shankar) Astronomer Rob Davison told 1News in May last year that there were a few key things to remember for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of an aurora. "Increased solar activity improves the chances of a good auroral display, but it does not guarantee it," he said. ADVERTISEMENT (Source: Sam Sword.) "Aurorae can also peak and then disappear in a relatively short amount of time. "Getting as far south and as far away from light pollution as possible will improve your chances. Photo taken in Dunedin. (Source: Rich Watt) "People should also remember to wrap up warm, as they may need to be outside for some time while their eyes adjust to the dark and while they wait for the peak of any display to appear." Photo taken from Kuri Bush, Dunedin. (Source: Cheryl Moeke) (Source: Aleisha Smith) Photo taken in Invercargill. (Source: Melissa Shuttleworth)
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Massive solar storm could wipe out internet, phones & power grids TOMORROW as rare ‘severe' warning issued
A RARE "severe" warning has been issued for a massive solar storm due to arrive at Earth tomorrow. The storm risks causing major disruption to internet, phone signals and power grids. Advertisement 3 Illustration of a coronal mass ejection impacting the Earth's atmosphere. Credit: Getty - Contributor 3 Graphic visualisation of NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Credit: SWNS 3 An image of the sun Credit: SWNS The warning has been put in effect by the Space Weather Prediction Centre. It comes after a coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun yesterday evening. The authority says it will likely lead to "immediate geomagnetic disturbances". A statement says: "Confidence in an Earth-arrival component to this CME is good. Advertisement "However, timing and intensity are more uncertain. These watches represent potential based on our best analyses. "We will not know the true nature of this CME's geomagnetic storm potential until the CME arrives at our solar wind observatories located 1 million miles from Earth. "Upon arrival at those spacecraft, we will know the magnetic strength and orientation that are very important to what levels and duration of geomagnetic storm conditions are expected to occur. "As always visit our website for the latest information and updates." Advertisement Most read in Uncategorized Exclusive The Space Weather Prediction Centre adds that impacts to technological infrastructure are "possible" but could be mitigated. Its impact might also mean the aurora could be visible in the northern half of the United States. This could be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California. What are geomagnetic storms? The Met Office defines geomagnetic storms as "disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field caused by solar activity" It lists potential physical impacts as: Geomagnetically induced currents affecting power lines and pipelines Increased ionisation that can affect radio signals Thermosphere heating, which can expand and affect satellite orbits Technological impacts might include: Potential power grid blackouts during severe events GNSS and HF communications, such as GPS signals Satellites, through surface charging and increased drag Spacecraft operations as a result of radiation and signal interference The CME erupted from the Sun on the evening of May 30 and is expected to arrive at Earth on June 1. Advertisement The "severe" storm watch is in effect through to June 2.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Massive solar storm could wipe out internet, phones & power grids TOMORROW as rare ‘severe' warning issued
A RARE "severe" warning has been issued for a massive solar storm due to arrive at Earth tomorrow. The storm risks causing major disruption to internet, phone signals and power grids. 3 The warning has been put in effect by the Space Weather Prediction Centre. It comes after a coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun yesterday evening. The authority says it will likely lead to "immediate geomagnetic disturbances". A statement says: "Confidence in an Earth-arrival component to this CME is good. "However, timing and intensity are more uncertain. These watches represent potential based on our best analyses. "We will not know the true nature of this CME's geomagnetic storm potential until the CME arrives at our solar wind observatories located 1 million miles from Earth." The Space Weather Prediction Centre adds that impacts to technological infrastructure are "possible" but could be mitigated. Its impact might also mean the aurora could be visible in the northern half of the United States. This could be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
