A severe geomagnetic storm prompted warnings for numerous states about the threat to their power grids this week . The storm, which had the strength of a category G4, revealed the intense ways in which space weather can have direct impacts on Earth.

Why It Matters

A severe geomagnetic storm, driven by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, posed a threat to power grids in at least 11 states this week. Simultaneously, the CMEs prompted the Northern Lights to be visible much farther south than is typical, creating a spectacle for millions of Americans to enjoy during the nighttime hours.

What to Know

Space weather is known to affect power grids on Earth by causing geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), a spokesperson with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NO

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