Local Astronomer Discusses Solar Storms
Solar storms may make themselves felt here on earth.
KYW's John Ostapkovich reports that the light telling us of the storms got here within a few minutes Sunday but these things also throw out waves of particles that charge across the millions of miles in a few days.
Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute, says we may even be able to see their effect:
"A greater intensity solar storm, as this is, the higher the intensity of the solar storm, the greater the possibility we can see the northern lights effect this far south. It's unusual we can see it this far south."
These auroras result from solar particles hitting the ionosphere. But Pitts says powerful solar storms can also disrupt satellites and the services they provide, and in extreme cases jolt electrical transformers.
(file photo)
