In frames: Strongest solar storm in over 2 decades triggers jaw-dropping auroras worldwide

The auroras were visible from Britain to Tasmania and as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

New Delhi | May 11, 2024 03:02 PM IST

3 min read

The post gained 6.7 million views across the platform.

Earth was hit by its most powerful solar storm in over twenty years this Friday, setting off stunning displays of auroras across the globe. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, the onset of multiple coronal mass ejections (CME) commenced shortly after 1600 GMT.

This incident intensified into an extreme geomagnetic storm, representing the first instance of such magnitude since the Halloween storms of October 2003.

In a post on X, Nahel Belgherze, weather journalist, shared a screenshot of the breaking news with a caption, “Thousands of reports of Northern Lights coming in from multiple locations across Europe. A severe G4 geomagnetic storm is currently affecting Earth. Truly the most stunning aurora show in years. Currently visible as far south as northern Italy.”

The northern lights over Switzerland.

Northern lights over Tuscany, Italy.

With 6.7 million views across the platform, the hues of the auroras were a striking purple, pink, and indigo. It is anticipated to persist for several days, gracing skies from Britain to Tasmania. Authorities in the US even hinted at possible sightings as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

One user wrote, “The end of the world is so beautiful.” Another user commented, “Has the universe ever winked at you?” A third user said, “Purple rain, purple rain…..”