A strong blast of solar wind traveling at over 600 km per second hit Earth's magnetic field, creating intense geomagnetic activity. The event was caused by a rare phenomenon known as a cannibal CME, where one coronal mass ejection (CME) overtakes another, merging to form a more powerful burst.

Cannibal CMEs are notable because the merged solar ejections contain denser plasma and stronger magnetic fields, making their impact on Earth more severe. This type of event puts the planet’s magnetic shield under extra pressure and can lead to more intense and longer-lasting geomagnetic storms.

Forecasters at NOAA and NASA had predicted the CME’s arrival late on September 1, but its impact exceeded expectations. The solar wind accelerated sharply, compressing Earth’s magnetosphere. Conditions for geomagnetic storms ranging from G1 (Minor) to G3 (Strong) were reported, enough to produce bright auroras at unusually low latitudes.

Models indicated the peak activity overnight into September 2, with the Kp index, a measure of geomagnetic disturbance, expected to spike above 6.

While skywatchers could enjoy spectacular auroras across North America, Europe, and Asia, the solar event could also disrupt satellite communications, GPS accuracy, and high-frequency radio signals. Utility providers in high-latitude regions monitored power grids for voltage fluctuations, and satellite operators tracked potential increased drag on spacecraft.

Experts warn that as Solar Cycle 25 approaches its peak, such dramatic solar events could become more frequent in the coming months, keeping space weather forecasters and technical operators on high alert.

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