Solar storms this week may bring faint displays of the northern lights across the fringes of the northern United States and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere over the weekend. Forecasters are monitoring the situation closely due to possible disruptions to power grids and communication networks.
The sun's magnetic field is currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle, leading to more frequent solar storms and northern lights. This week, the sun emitted two strong flares, including one on Thursday that was the biggest since 2017.
While the ethereal glow of the auroras captivates skywatchers, solar storms can have far-reaching effects on Earth's technology-dependent society. Potential impacts include power outages and communication disruptions, highlighting the importance of monitoring solar activity.
