Washington – A solar storm zapped Earth on Friday but it was causing few, if any, problems. It also may allow more people to see the colorful northern lights.
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Space Weather Prediction Center forecaster Chris Smith said the storm left the sun on Wednesday and first arrived on Earth at 9:55 a.m. EDT, and will continue disrupting the magnetic field through Saturday. It will likely only be noticed by specialized equipment.
He said it was a strong hit for Earth — the biggest since June last year. But he said the strongest of the energized particles went just above Earth.
Areas as far south as Seattle; Des Moines, Iowa; Chicago; Cleveland and Albany, New York, potentially could see the northern lights Friday and Saturday nights, depending on the weather and lighting conditions.
Actually it can be a problem for planes flying polar routes as the passengers can be exposed to more radiation than normal.
Bs’d. NBaruch HaOseh Ma’aseh Breshis, Mashiv HaRuach u’Morid HaGeshem!