NOAA SWPC
Colossal Coronal Hole Triggers High-Speed Solar Wind, Bringing Northern Lights Southward
A massive coronal hole on the sun is driving high-speed solar winds toward Earth, threatening geomagnetic storms and visible auroras through the weekend.
A colossal coronal hole on the sun has unleashed a high-speed stream of solar wind heading directly toward Earth, setting the stage for impressive auroral displays between November 6 and November 8.
According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, minor (G1) geomagnetic storm conditions are anticipated, with a notable chance of escalating to moderate (G2) conditions on November 7 and 8. If G2 thresholds are reached, stargazers and skywatchers as far south as New York and Idaho could catch glimpses of the northern lights. Coronal holes appear darker and cooler in ultraviolet imagery, representing regions where magnetic fields open to allow charged particles to escape freely into space.