U.S. Issues Geomagnetic Storm Watch Following Major Solar Eruption

U.S. space weather forecasters have issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Earth. The warning follows a significant eruption on the sun that sent a large cloud of charged particles, called a coronal mass ejection (CME), toward our planet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) announced the watch. Officials said the storm could reach "moderate to strong" levels when it arrives. Such geomagnetic storms can disrupt infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on the planet's surface. Potential effects include irregularities in satellite operations, degraded GPS signals, and disruptions to high-frequency radio communications. The SWPC also noted that the storm could push auroras, or northern lights, much farther south than usual. Residents in northern U.S. states may have a chance to see the displays. The center continues to monitor the event and will provide updates.