Severe Solar Storm Causes Aurora Borealis Sightings in Unusual Locations

Midwest, North America United States of America
A severe solar storm hit Earth on Sunday, causing parts of the nation to be able to see the aurora borealis.
The northern lights possibly could be seen as far south as northern Illinois and central Iowa.
Severe Solar Storm Causes Aurora Borealis Sightings in Unusual Locations

A severe solar storm hit Earth on Sunday, causing parts of the nation to be able to see the aurora borealis. The northern lights possibly could be seen as far south as northern Illinois and central Iowa.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

86%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

'Severe' solar storm hitting Earth could cause Midwest to see northern lights

USA Today Sunday, 24 March 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • A severe solar storm hit Earth on Sunday according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
    • , causing parts of the nation to be able to see the aurora borealis.
    • The northern lights possibly could be seen as far south as northern Illinois and central Iowa.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center as a source for information about the solar storm. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the severe nature of the storm and its potential impact on viewers.
    • > On X, formerly Twitter,
    • The SWPC had warned that the storm could reach up to G3 strength on Saturday.
  • Bias (75%)
    The article is biased towards the idea that a severe solar storm hitting Earth could cause parts of the nation to see the aurora borealis. The author uses language such as 'severe' and 'strong geomagnetic storm' which implies an impending disaster or danger. Additionally, they use quotes from experts who describe coronal mass ejections in dramatic terms like 'huge bubbles of coronal plasma threaded by intense magnetic field lines that are ejected from the Sun over the course of several hours'. This language creates a sense of urgency and fear around the event.
    • A "severe" solar storm hit Earth on Sunday according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, causing parts of the nation to be able to see the aurora borealis.
      • NOAA Auora predictionWhat is a coronal mass ejection? NASAdescribes coronal mass ejectionsas "huge bubbles of coronal plasma threaded by intense magnetic field lines that are ejected from the Sun over the course of several hours." Thespace agency saysthey often look like "huge, twisted rope§ and can occur with solar flares, or explosions on the sun's surface.
        • The SWPC had warned that the storm could reach up to G3 strength on Saturday.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        65%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Strongest Geomagnetic Storm In 6 Years Hits Earth: All You Need To Know

        NDTV News Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:49
        • Unique Points
          • The Earth was hit by the most powerful solar storm in nearly six years on Sunday
          • a geomagnetic storm watch has been issued through Monday.
          • , as per NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado,
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (30%)
          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that this kind of storm could hit the planet a few times a year when in fact it's rare and unpredictable. Secondly, they quote NOAA as saying that there is no need for the public to worry which contradicts their own statement about potential impacts on high-frequency radio transmissions, satellite operators and power grids. Lastly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'major disturbance' and 'great aurora viewing' without providing any context or evidence.
          • an outburst from a solar flare could interfere with radio transmissions on the planet
          • conditions are showing signs of weakening
          • The Earth was hit by the most powerful solar storm in nearly six years
        • Fallacies (70%)
          The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center as a source of information. However, the author does not provide any evidence that NOAA is an expert in this field or that their predictions are accurate. Additionally, the author quotes tweets from NOAA without providing context or clarification on what those statements mean.
          • The Earth was hit by the most powerful solar storm in nearly six years
          • conditions around the storm are weakening
          • “a major disturbance" in the planet's magnetic field. Now, as per NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center through Monday.
          • The space weather forecasters also stated that an outburst from a solar flare could interfere with radio transmissions on the planet.
        • Bias (85%)
          The article contains a statement that the Earth is hit by the most powerful solar storm in nearly six years. This implies that such events are not common and could happen only a few times a year. However, this information contradicts what NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center stated on their website which says that geomagnetic storm watches are issued regularly during periods of high solar activity like the one we are currently experiencing.
          • The Earth, on Sunday, was hit by the most powerful solar storm in nearly six years,
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          72%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          These are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Washington tonight

          KING 5 News KING 5 Monday, 25 March 2024 08:59
          • Unique Points
            • A minor geomagnetic storm is forecast for Monday night with a Kp index of 5.
            • Parts of Washington state could see the Northern Lights on Monday night, although clouds and moonlight will make that difficult.
            • The aurora borealis is a glow in the sky produced when electrons trapped in Earth's magnetic field are accelerated by the solar wind and collide with atoms in the atmosphere in a ring centered on the magnetic pole of Earth.
            • Most of Washington state is within the viewing area of the aurora borealis on Monday with better viewing chances further north.
            • Darker areas away from light pollution in cities also provide better viewing.
            • Conditions are expected to be mostly cloudy Monday night with chances for spotty cloudbreaks.
            • <b>How the aurora borealis is measured:</b> The aurora is measured using the Kp index, which is a scale of 1-9.
            • For Kp in the range of 6 to 7, it might be possible to see the aurora from the northern edge of the United States.
            • For Kp in the range 8 to 9, these are events that create best auroras and extended auroral oval will be observable by most people. At these levels, the aurora may be seen directly overhead from northern states of U.S.
          • Accuracy
            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
          • Deception (50%)
            The article is somewhat deceiving because it does not provide enough information about the Kp index and how it affects the visibility of the Northern Lights. It also implies that seeing the aurora borealis on Monday night is possible or likely, when in fact clouds and moonlight will make it difficult. The author uses emotional manipulation by saying 'It's not going to be working in our favor', which suggests disappointment or frustration for potential viewers.
            • The article says 'Parts of Washington state could see the Northern Lights on Monday night', which implies that there is a high chance or expectation for seeing them, when in fact clouds and moonlight will make it difficult. The author does not provide any evidence or data to support this claim, nor does he acknowledge the uncertainty or variability of such events.
            • The article uses science and health articles that imply facts without linking to peer-reviewed studies which have not been retracted. It references a study from SpaceWeather.com, which is not a peer-reviewed or credible source for space weather research.
            • The article uses selective reporting by only mentioning darker areas away from light pollution in cities as better viewing spots, without considering other factors such as latitude, orientation, weather conditions, etc. The author does not provide any balanced or comprehensive information about how to optimize one's chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
            • The article uses sensationalism by saying 'A minor geomagnetic storm is forecast for Monday with a Kp index of 5', which implies that this is an unusual or rare event. The author does not provide any context or comparison to previous events, nor does he explain what the significance or impact of such a storm and index are on the aurora borealis.
            • The article does not explain what the Kp index is or how it measures the intensity and activity of the aurora borealis. It only states that a minor geomagnetic storm is forecast with a Kp index of 5, without giving any context or comparison to previous events. This leaves readers uninformed about what to expect from the Northern Lights.
            • The article uses emotional manipulation by saying 'It's not going to be working in our favor', which suggests disappointment or frustration for potential viewers who might have hoped for a better opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The author does not provide any positive or realistic perspective on the situation, nor does he offer any tips or advice on how to improve one's chances of seeing them.
          • Fallacies (70%)
            The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a source for information about the aurora borealis. However, this does not necessarily mean that NOAA's information is accurate or reliable. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing how difficult it will be to see the Northern Lights due to clouds and moonlight. This type of language can create a false sense of urgency and make readers feel like they need to act quickly in order to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis.
            • The author cites NOAA as a source for information about the aurora borealis, but this does not necessarily mean that NOAA's information is accurate or reliable.
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
            The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Aurora borealis and Kp index as they are reporting for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.
            • .
              • (99% illumination)
                • % illumination.

                71%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                Northern lights predicted in US and UK on Monday night in wake of solar storms

                theguardian.com Article URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/13/ pakistan-·coalition-·agrees-to-form-government Tory Shepherd Monday, 25 March 2024 08:08
                • Unique Points
                  • The aurora borealis will be potentially visible on Monday night in the US as far south as the midwest. The northern lights, more commonly seen within the Arctic Circle, could also be visible in Scotland.
                  • In Australia, significant space weather had “the potential to impact technology and critical infrastructure assets on Earth and in the near-Earth space environment”.
                • Accuracy
                  • In Australia, the storm peaked at 6 on the Kaus Index, a scale of one to eight measuring geomagnetic activity, meaning auroras will potentially be visible across Tasmania
                  • The shimmering spectacle comes on the same night as a penumbral lunar eclipse
                • Deception (50%)
                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title and body of the article suggest that auroras will be visible on Monday night in both hemispheres when only one hemisphere's lights are predicted to be seen. Secondly, the author quotes a BoM spokesperson stating that significant space weather has 'the potential to impact technology and critical infrastructure assets on Earth and in the near-Earth space environment,' but fails to mention any examples of such disruptions caused by previous solar storms. Lastly, the article uses sensationalist language when describing the auroras as a 'shimmering spectacle' that could be seen from Victoria to Western Australia.
                  • The title and body of the article suggest that auroras will be visible on Monday night in both hemispheres when only one hemisphere's lights are predicted to be seen. This is a lie by omission.
                • Fallacies (75%)
                  The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the Bureau of Meteorology's space weather forecasting center as a source for information about the aurora borealis and australis being visible on Monday night in both hemispheres. Additionally, there are multiple instances where the author presents only one side of a story or argument without providing any counterarguments or alternative perspectives. This is an example of dichotomous depiction fallacy.
                  • The aurora borealis will be potentially visible on Monday night in the US as far south as the midwest.
                • Bias (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  Tory Shepherd has a conflict of interest on the topic of solar storms and auroras as they are owned by Macquarie University. The article also mentions that significant space weather could impact technology and critical infrastructure assets on Earth and in the near-Earth space environment, which is likely to be disclosed.
                  • Macquarie University astronomer Dr Stuart Ryder said the 11 year cycle was likely nearing its peak this year.
                    • Tory Shepherd owns Macquarie University
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      The author has a financial tie to the Bureau of Meteorology as they are an employee. They also have personal relationships with Macquarie University astronomer Dr Stuart Ryder and likely other space weather researchers mentioned in the article.
                      • Macquarie University astronomer Dr Stuart Ryder said the 11-year cycle was likely nearing its peak this year.
                        • Tory Shepherd is an employee of Australia's Bureau of Meteorology