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Will California Experience the Northern Lights After Earth is Hit by a Geomagnetic Storm?

A significant geomagnetic storm is currently affecting Earth and has the potential to create stunning northern lights displays across parts of the United States on Sunday and Monday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a geomagnetic storm watch on Saturday after a coronal mass ejection (CME) – a burst of plasma and magnetic material from the sun – was detected heading towards Earth.

By Sunday afternoon, the storm had been upgraded to a G4 level, indicating severe strength with a major disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field. The storm is expected to remain at a strong G3 level or higher at least through Sunday evening.

While the public is not expected to experience any negative impacts, technology could be affected, including potential voltage control issues and disruptions to satellite operations. The SWPC has warned infrastructure operators, such as power grids and satellite agencies, to prepare for potential effects.

Bill Murtagh, program coordinator at the SWPC, emphasized the importance of taking precautions to prevent problems with critical systems. He mentioned the historic incident in 1989 when a strong geomagnetic storm caused a widespread power outage in Quebec, Canada.

Personal devices like cellphones and GPS gadgets are unlikely to be affected by geomagnetic storms as they mostly impact power grids instead of electronic devices, Murtagh explained.

This current storm marks the third time a geomagnetic storm has reached G4 status during the ongoing 11-year solar cycle which began in 2019. According to Murtagh, the speed at which the coronal mass ejection traveled from the sun to Earth was notably fast.

Geomagnetic storms are renowned for producing spectacular auroras, known as northern lights when visible in the Northern Hemisphere. As geomagnetic activity rises, auroras become more vivid and can be seen further from the poles.

The latest aurora forecast from the SWPC predicts a strong display over Alaska and Canada on Sunday and Monday nights, with potential visibility in states such as Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and others. While California may not initially be in the viewing area, Murtagh suggested that the situation could change.

He recalled a similar storm last March that allowed portions of Northern California to witness the northern lights phenomenon, indicating that it was still possible for the lights to reach the state given certain conditions.

Even if California misses out on this event, there will be more opportunities in the coming years as the solar cycle peaks. The chances of seeing auroras are higher around equinoxes, with the current time being particularly favorable due to the Earth’s axis tilt.

Murtagh concluded by stating that the solar maximum period, where eruptions are more common, will continue for a few more years before gradually decreasing by 2029 or 2030, offering plenty more opportunities for aurora sightings.

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Kevin McCarthy, former House Speaker, seeks revenge

Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is out for vengeance. After being voted out as House speaker, McCarthy left office at the end of 2023. Now, he is traveling the country giving speeches, appearing on TV, and plotting revenge against those who orchestrated his downfall.

Eight Republican lawmakers joined with Democrats in toppling McCarthy, marking the first time a House leader has been voted out. Two of the Republicans who voted against him are retiring, while three others are facing strong primary challenges. McCarthy is working behind the scenes to ensure their defeat, using his political connections and resources to support their opponents.

McCarthy’s main nemesis in this battle for vengeance is Rep. Matt Gaetz, who was instrumental in McCarthy’s ouster. During a recent appearance at Georgetown University, McCarthy accused Gaetz of pushing him out of the speakership due to an ethics complaint involving a 17-year-old girl. Gaetz denied the allegations and called McCarthy a liar.

Despite the turmoil of his speakership lasting less than nine months, McCarthy feels liberated and focused on campaigns and elections, which have always been his forte. He remains close to lawmakers he recruited and maintains a vast donor network built over years as a top GOP strategist.

McCarthy’s top priority is to secure Republican control of the House in the upcoming elections. He is also focused on reelecting key members, such as Young Kim, Michelle Steel, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who have diversified the House GOP.

At a recent seminar on American democracy, McCarthy displayed both charm and self-deprecation. He broke with former President Trump by supporting aid for Ukraine and acknowledging Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. However, McCarthy also dodged questions and made false equivalences, drawing criticism from his detractors.

Despite speculation about a second Trump administration, McCarthy has not shown interest in becoming an influence peddler. Instead, he prefers working in the campaign realm, where his skills and talents are best utilized. McCarthy’s focus is on electing viable Republican candidates and achieving payback against those who pushed him out of power.

In conclusion, Kevin McCarthy is on a mission for vengeance, using his political savvy and resources to take down his opponents and secure Republican victories. His determination and focus on campaigns and elections show that McCarthy is not one to back down easily, making him a force to be reckoned with in the world of politics.