A strong geomagnetic storm is currently impacting Earth, raising concerns over potential disruptions to power grids, satellite operations, and communications systems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed the G3-level event early Wednesday, marking one of the more intense space weather episodes of the year.
The storm, which began at 02:16 UTC on May 29, was triggered by high-speed solar winds emerging from a coronal hole—an area of the sun where the magnetic field is open, allowing solar wind to escape into space more freely. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center said such storms can cause voltage irregularities in power systems, interfere with GPS signals, and lead to drag on satellites in low Earth orbit.
“Geomagnetic storms of this magnitude have the potential to create widespread technological disruptions, particularly at higher latitudes,” the agency said in a statement.
The ongoing event follows a series of notable solar activities this month. On May 14, a powerful X2.7-class solar flare erupted from sunspot AR4087, causing temporary radio blackouts across parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Meanwhile, astronomers observed a vast coronal hole—estimated at roughly 1 million kilometers wide—contributing to the sustained stream of charged particles currently striking Earth’s magnetic field.
Auroras, also known as the Northern Lights, have been reported as far south as the northern United States and parts of Europe.
The solar storm has also reignited discussions about infrastructure resilience, particularly as global reliance on satellite-based services continues to grow. NOAA and NASA are urging industries sensitive to space weather—such as aviation, maritime, and telecommunications—to remain alert to potential short-term disruptions.
NOAA continues to monitor the storm in real-time and is issuing regular updates via its Space Weather Prediction Center.