A significant coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun on the evening of October 8, 2024, and is currently racing toward Earth at speeds of 1200 to 1300 km/s. This fast-moving solar storm is expected to arrive as early as the morning to midday of October 10, potentially impacting Earth’s magnetic field and creating the possibility of northern lights sightings as far south as East Tennessee.
CME Details and Impacts
CMEs are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona. When they reach Earth, they can interact with the planet’s magnetic field, potentially causing geomagnetic storms. Early analysis of this CME suggests that it could cause geomagnetic conditions reaching as high as G4 (Severe) on the geomagnetic storm scale.
While the exact characteristics of this CME won’t be fully known until it is about 1 million miles from Earth, its speed and magnetic intensity will be closely monitored by the DSCOVR and ACE satellites. Once detected, scientists will be able to refine forecasts on how strong the storm might be and how far south the northern lights might be visible.
East Tennessee Forecast and Viewing Tips
East Tennessee residents may have a unique opportunity to witness the northern lights, depending on how the storm unfolds. If the CME reaches G4 levels, the auroras could be visible much further south than usual, including parts of Tennessee.
- Minimum Scenario: No visible northern lights.
- Realistic Scenario: You could capture the auroras using high-exposure settings on your phone or camera.
- Best-Case Scenario: The northern lights may be visible to the naked eye in some areas, especially in darker rural locations with little light pollution.
For the best chance of seeing the auroras, look north and find a location with a clear view of the horizon, away from city lights. Set your camera or phone to high-exposure settings to capture the faint glow that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Weather Outlook for East Tennessee on October 10th
The weather in East Tennessee is forecast to be mostly clear on the night of October 10, with cooler temperatures settling in. Areas across higher elevations could see lows dipping into the 30s, so bundle up if you plan to head out for a potential aurora sighting. With minimal cloud cover expected, conditions should be favorable for skywatching.
What to Expect From a G4 Geomagnetic Storm
If the CME does produce a G4-level storm, the effects could extend beyond the beautiful auroras. Geomagnetic storms of this intensity can cause disruptions to GPS systems, satellite communications, and even power grids in some regions. These storms also enhance the intensity of the auroras, making them brighter and more visible in lower latitudes than usual.