geomagnetic storm

Last year, a level 5 geomagnetic storm occurred for the first time in 20 years, resulting in similarly spectacular views of the Northern and Southern Lights.

On Tuesday evening, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center said that “severe geomagnetic storm” levels had been reached.

Triggered by an intense geomagnetic storm, the northern lights made a rare visit to the Southland on Tuesday night, painting the skies above the Angeles National Forest in dazzling pink and purple hues.

And the Victorians also struggled with the effect of space weather in 1859 when a huge solar eruption caused a geomagnetic storm that interfered with railway signalling and telegraph lines.

"If we are in a geomagnetic storm for example, you definitely can," she said.