United States – A strong solar flare observed early Thursday morning could spark auroras across the northern United States in the coming days. The X3.3-class flare, originating from Sunspot Region 3869, was detected at 3:57 a.m. UTC and is expected to reach Earth within 48 to 72 hours, potentially lighting up the night skies.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center reported that this significant solar flare could lead to geomagnetic storms as early as late Friday, creating conditions for aurora sightings in northern states. Residents in regions like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan should keep watch over the weekend, especially in areas with minimal light pollution.
While the flare has yet to impact Earth, NOAA emphasized that its energy could interact with Earth’s magnetosphere in the coming days, possibly affecting high-frequency radio and GPS systems. However, no major disruptions are expected for the general public. Sky-watchers are encouraged to monitor updates for optimal aurora visibility, which may be most prominent in northern latitudes.
