Northern Lights Delight as ‘Cannibal’ Solar Storm Triggers Auroras Across US and Canada (Photos)
There may be more chances to see the Northern Lights in the coming days as heightened geomagnetic activity is expected to continue through Aug. 1.
The sun launched a barrage of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) over two days, with the first two CMEs combining to form a “cannibal CME” that hit Earth on July 29, sparking a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm and triggering Northern Lights across the US and Canada.
Despite forecasters originally predicting a more potent G3-class geomagnetic storm, the magnetic fields inside the CME were pointing in the wrong direction, reducing its impact. However, avid aurora chasers and skywatchers were still able to capture some beautiful Northern Lights photos as the colors danced overhead.
With so much solar activity, predicting the arrival of so many solar storms and their effectiveness at triggering vivid auroral displays proved to be quite a headache for solar weather forecasters.
Many skywatchers took to social media to post their impressive aurora photos from the minor geomagnetic storm. Some notable sightings include a vibrant purple display near Wasco, Oregon; a remarkable Northern Lights display above Kodiak Island, Alaska; and an explosive aurora display above northern Manitoba, Canada.
Photographer Steve Luther captured a vibrant purple display near Wasco, Oregon.
It took a while but #Aurora finally appeared in northcentral #Oregon over the harvested wheat fields near Wasco 4:15 am PDT. Pre-dawn Auroras are some of my faves, crescent moon up also. #northernlights #Auroraborealis @TamithaSkov @AuroraNotify @spacewxwatch @spaceyliz @NWSSWPC pic.twitter.com/uk0gcpP7Gw July 30, 2024
Photographer Kris Luckenbach witnessed a remarkable Northern Lights display above Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Finally!!! Aurora in July in Alaska!! 📍 Kodiak Island 7/30/2024 2:30-3:30am @AuroraNotify pic.twitter.com/ZUuxI1yL0Q July 30, 2024
And Justin Anderson captured an explosive aurora display above northern Manitoba, Canada.
WOW!!! An absolute incredible night in Northern Manitoba tonight! Be sure to check our IG stories for updates when our trip is over. @Vincent_ Ledvina @TamithaSkov @TweetAurora pic.twitter.com/ovFnaILE6z July 30, 2024
Source: https://www.space.com/northern-lights-cannibal-solar-storm-us-canada-photos