Northern Lights to be seen in US and UK after solar storms; could disrupt radio communications

American space weather forecasters have issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Monday (Mar 25), saying that solar eruptions could interfere with radio transmissions on Earth. However, it is also expected to create spectacular auroras in both hemispheres, including parts of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Where and when can you see it?

Aurora borealis will be visible in both the north and the south of the planet due to the recent solar eruptions. These lights could be visible on Monday (Mar 25) night in Scotland; in the US as far as the south and the midwest; and in southern Australia, from Victoria to Western Australia.

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These mesmerising ribbons of light are created when energised particles from the Sun slam into the Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of up to 72 million kilometres per hour because the planet’s magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) space weather forecasting centre issued an alert on Monday morning saying that a severe solar storm was in progress and could lead Southern Lights to be visible.

According to BOM, the auroras will potentially be visible across Tasmania, along Victoria’s coastline and Western Australia’s south-west coast. Although these lights are typically seen near the polls if the solar storms are severe enough they can move further away from the poles.

It advises people to find somewhere dark with an unobstructed view south and sites away from the city are ideal between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am (local time) to see the Southern Lights.

Disruption to radio communications

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado issued an alert on Monday saying that an outburst of plasma from a solar flare could interfere with radio transmissions on Earth but said there is no reason for the people to be concerned.

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The storm could disrupt high-frequency radio transmissions, like those used on aircraft to communicate with distant traffic control towers. However, most commercial aircraft can use satellite transmission as backup, said the forecaster at the centre, according to the Associated Press.

Additionally, satellite operators and power grids may face some difficulties but nothing they cannot handle, said Lash.

“For the general public, if you have clear skies at night and you are at higher latitudes, this would be a great opportunity to see the skies light up,” said the forecaster at NOAA, as quoted by the AP.

(With inputs from agencies)