That’s according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, which said pilots reported radio interference across the United States between noon and 2PM ET on December 14th. The current solar cycle is stronger than expected, making disruptions like this more likely, but the NOAA forecasts an October 2024 peak, a year earlier than originally predicted. Anyway, here’s a NASA GIF of the eruption.
Friendly reminder to everyone that you can use the SpaceWeather Live app to monitor current solar activity and aurora forecasts. Search up an “aurora kp chart” for your continent to see what strength of storm (kp1 to kp10) is typically required to see them overhead in your area. This should help you while reading the current forecast to know whether or not it’s even worth going outside to check for them.
Aurora activity is very strong right now and will continue until its peak in 2025, then gradually slope off over the following years. This is an excellent time to pick up the hobby and see those northern lights.
Great tip! Thank you