With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
A Severe Geomagnetic Storm Could Impact California This Weekend
A composite image created Friday, May 10, shows significant solar activity on the sun.
(
Courtesy NOAA
)
A severe geomagnetic storm watch has been issued by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, and will likely remain in place through the weekend after an especially active region of the sun began blasting blobs of plasma directly toward Earth over the past few days.
This is the first time in 19 years that the SWPC has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for an event of this intensity.
Why it matters
A G4 (severe) storm can negatively impact energy infrastructure and systems that rely on satellites, including GPS. If they're big enough, they can also threaten astronauts on the International Space Station, making them more susceptible to space radiation. Though, that's not likely with this event.
Support for LAist comes from
“Do not worry. The sun’s been doing this for a very long time. There are impacts to different sectors of society, but we keep those sectors up to date," said Rob Steenburgh, space scientist with NOAA's SWPC.
What it means for Northern Lights
On the upside, the storms can also produce amazing aurora, which could be seen as far south as Northern California.
This is the biggest coronal mass ejection observed this solar cycle, which lasts 11 years. As the cycles approach their peak, solar activity tends to increase in intensity and frequency. A similar event occurred in March of last year.
This storm could result in aurora being visible as far south as Northern California.
(
Courtesy of NOAA
)
As the active region of the Sun rotates away from Earth, we probably won't see as many direct hits.
Support for LAist comes from
There are two satellites located about a million miles from Earth that monitor the ejections of plasma, and let scientists calculate what sort of geomagnetic impact they're going to have. If the conditions increase in severity, the SWPC will issue warnings and alerts that'll last for hours, unlike the watch, which lasts for days.
No impacts were expected in L.A. as of Friday.
"Generally to get to Southern California, we'd have to have a pretty good whopper of a storm," said Steenburgh. "Don't rule out the chance to surprise you."
Go deeper
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist