A rare solar storm, caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME), is expected to hit Earth today. The storm will bring intense solar flares and geomagnetic storms, visible as northern lights across parts of Europe and Australia.
The sunspot region 3936, associated with the CME, has released powerful X-class flares in recent days. One of these flares is relevant to the warning, sending a strong shockwave towards Earth. The storm will be most intense in the morning hours on December 31 for those in Europe, where it may reach as far south as the UK.
Those in regions closer to the equator, such as mainland Australia, can expect to see the northern lights all night long. If you’re lucky enough to be in one of these areas, find a spot with a clear horizon and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. Use a phone on low brightness mode to take a long exposure photo if light pollution is a concern.
In the US, northern lights may be visible as far south as Iowa, but the peak prediction may vary depending on the exact forecast available just before the CME arrives.
Source: https://www.iflscience.com/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-for-today-as-sun-sends-fireworks-to-earth-77436