For the unversed, a severe geomagnetic storm occurs when the Earth's magnetic field is disturbed by magnetic field or plasma structures, such as corotating interaction regions (CIRs) and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These materials are occasionally ejected by the sun and appear to have a somewhat bubble-like structure.

Increased solar activity causes auroras that dance around Earth’s poles, known as the northern lights, or aurora borealis, and southern lights, or aurora australis. When the energized particles from coronal mass ejections reach Earth’s magnetic field, they interact with gases in the atmosphere to create different colored lights in the sky.

A severe (G4) geomagnetic storm impacted the planet at 8 p.m. tonight, unfortunately for Michigan, other than those south of I-94, cloud cover will hinder the view. Tomorrow may be better.

Officials say the CME is expected to arrive at and partially impact Earth around mid-day on November 12. “The potential for elevated geomagnetic response and dependent upon the orientation of the embedded magnetic field, potential exists for Severe Storm levels,” NWSSPWC said.

Skies glowed red, pink, purple, and blue across Texas Tuesday night thanks to a strong geomagnetic storm that put the aurora borealis on display.

Strong geomagnetic storms and a moderate solar radiation storm have led to an aurora view forecast for Wednesday night in the northern U.S.