Massive Solar Storm Ignites Stunning Aurora Across New Zealand

Disturbance is measured on the K-index. According to the SWPC, it reached Kp8, out of a possible Kp9. The solar storms of October 2003 caused power outages in Sweden and damages to power transformers in South Africa, CNN reported. Some viewers posted pics and clips to social media. Sadly, cloud cover ruined the view for some New Zealand skywatchers. The National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) told RNZ the coronal mass ejection arrived in Aotearoa about 8.30am on Tuesday, and was “not expected to cause significant impacts for NZ”. The agency had activated its Space Weather Science Advisory Panel, which had considered international space weather monitoring and forecasting agencies, as well as current information from the NZ-based monitoring network. “On current conditions, the panel advises this event is not concerning for NZ and no significant impacts are expected. Nema and Transpower will continue to monitor the situation.” There were no updates from Transpower overnight.