A solar storm ejected large amounts of plasma toward the Earth, causing authorities to warn of possible impacts on electrical and digital systems.

The phenomenon also generated a spectacle enjoyed by many people worldwide, especially in Philadelphia: unusual aurora borealis.

At about 4 p.m. yesterday (Eastern time), the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that “Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) Arrival at Earth has Occurred and Warnings have been Issued”.

According to officials, the solar material reached Earth at about 11:15 am EDT Thursday with a speed of nearly 1.5 million miles per hour.

“The CME strength and structure are being closely scrutinized for potential geomagnetic storm intensity, but, G3 levels are now expected due to the magnitude and potential of the CME, therefore G3 or greater warning has been issued. G4 (Severe) levels remain likely with the watch still in effect and even a slight chance of G5 (Extreme) levels due to initial observations of the CME strength. Updates will continue as conditions are met with Alerts issued accordingly,” explained the authority on its website.

The challenge presented by these kinds of phenomena is that systems that rely on low-Earth orbit satellites or high-frequency communications may suffer disruptions. In addition, the storm could put additional strain on power grids already weakened by hurricanes.

For this reason, the CPME warned that recovery efforts after the catastrophe caused by Helene and Milton could be affected, because location services such as GPS could also stop working.

As reported by the AFP agency, the solar storm also caused the disconnection of some high-voltage transformers, although without disrupting the grid on a large scale. CPME's Shawn Dahl said during a briefing Wednesday that about 5,000 satellites needed orbital adjustments due to increased atmospheric drag.

A spectacular view

The phenomenon also resulted in aurora borealis-type images in the sky that reached as far south as Alabama and northern California.

Many people have enjoyed this phenomenon by taking videos and snapshots. The topic has become a trend in social networks and on the internet.

I never thought I'd see the northern lights in Nova Scotia! Experiencing the aurora at

Lawrencetown Beach was truly magical—no need to travel to Iceland or Greenland! #NorthernLights #NovaScotia#northernlights pic.twitter.com/QKq8X4ofjx

— ᴀɴᴜ🕊 (@_Anu08) October 11, 2024

This is absolutely ridiculous. For the fourth time in five months, the Northern Lights are visible in #Pittsburgh. This view is from just after sunset, when it was visible across the ENTIRE skyline, and even overhead. Cannot believe how vibrant it was. I may be out all night, pic.twitter.com/BDgl5KVze4

— Dave DiCello (@DaveDiCello) October 11, 2024