Rare geomagnetic storm could produce northern lights in Illinois, other states NBC Chicago [Video]

A “very rare” geomagnetic storm reached Earth hours earlier than expected on Friday, prompting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue its first rare geomagnetic storm warning in nearly two decades.

Operators of power plants and spacecraft in orbit were recommended to take precautions ahead of time as the G4 geomagnetic storm posed a risk for high-voltage transmission lines and satellites, which could in turn disrupt navigation and communication. The Federal Emergency Management Agency was also notified.

But across the world, people sat back and watched as darkness set in and stunning light displays surfaced.

Others stood by and waited patiently – knowing they couldn’t do anything else.

“For most people here on planet Earth, they won’t have to do anything,” said Rob Steenburgh, a scientist with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

Geomagnetic storm conditions were expected to continue through the weekend as additional coronal mass ejections headed toward earth.

CME’s are “large expulsions of plasma and magnetized particles from the Sun’s corona,” according to NOAA’s Space …