Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jan 20: A powerful disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field could make the aurora visible across large parts of Canada and the northern tier of the United States on Monday night, with the possibility of sightings even further south, according to a forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center said the heightened auroral activity comes amid intense geomagnetic and solar radiation storms. Shawn Dahl, service coordinator at the centre, noted that the storm is unlikely to weaken significantly until sometime on Tuesday.

Geomagnetic storms that produce vivid northern lights can also have wider impacts. The U.S. Geological Survey has warned that such storms may interfere with satellite operations, GPS signals and other critical infrastructure. However, officials said there is currently no threat to astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

In recent months, similar solar activity has led to spectacular aurora displays in unexpected regions. In November, solar storms lit up skies over parts of Europe, including Hungary and the United Kingdom, and pushed auroras as far south in the United States as Kansas, Colorado and Texas.

Dahl said while solar radiation storms can affect objects in space and certain communication systems, the present event is particularly notable. “The intensity of this storm has not been seen in more than two decades,” he said, underscoring the rarity of the phenomenon.

Skywatchers across affected regions have been advised to keep an eye on forecasts and local conditions, as clear skies could offer a rare chance to witness the natural spectacle.