Solar storms could produce Aurora borealis visible over Northern Nevada
Two recent solar storms may produce northern lights visible over Northern Nevada on Friday and Saturday.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center predicts that the two solar eruptions that happened earlier this week will travel past Earth, producing geomagnetic storms — explosions of magnetic field and plasma from the Sun's corona out into space.
Storm levels as high as G2 (moderate) are forecast for Friday, Sept. 12 and possibly increase to a G3 (strong) storm on Saturday. No major effects on infrastructure are expected from these storms; however, there could be an increased drag on satellites and GPS, and possibly slight disturbances to radio transmissions.
Aurora borealis are expected to be visible in the northern tier of the United States as a result of the storms. The lights could be visible in the night sky over Northern Nevada, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
SWPC continuously monitors the Sun for activity, and will inform the public about what to expect. For updates on activity, visit www.spaceweather.gov.