A strong solar storm hit Earth, creating dazzling displays of colorful skies across the Northern Hemisphere early Saturday. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of disruptions to power or communications.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued an unusual warning for a severe geomagnetic storm after a solar outburst reached Earth earlier than expected on Friday afternoon.
The Northern Lights, prominently visible in Britain, were expected to continue through the weekend and possibly into the next week.
Many people in the UK shared photos of the lights on social media early Saturday, with sightings reported as far south as London and southern England.
The aurora borealis (Via Tom Wilson/Shutterstock)
Meteorologist Chris Snell from Britain’s Met Office said there were sightings “from top to bottom across the country,” and photos and reports also came in from other European cities such as Prague and Barcelona.
NOAA advised operators of power plants and spacecraft, as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to take precautionary measures.
“For most people on Earth, there’s nothing they need to do,” said Rob Steenburgh, a scientist with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
