In May 2024, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured spectacular images of a solar storm, marking one of the most intense displays of solar activity in decades. The storm unleashed a barrage of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) towards Earth, creating a powerful geomagnetic storm and generating stunning auroras visible across the globe.

From May 3 to May 9, the SDO observed 82 notable solar flares, with the majority originating from two active regions on the Sun known as AR 13663 and AR 13664. Among them, nine were classified as X-class solar flares, the highest category of solar flares. These intense flares were accompanied by multiple CMEs that eventually reached Earth, triggering a long-lasting geomagnetic storm rated as G5, the highest level on the geomagnetic storm scale, and unseen since 2003.

The storm's effects were widely observed, with brilliant auroras illuminating night skies even at unusually low latitudes, including regions in the southern United States and northern India. Scientists are particularly intrigued by the potential historic significance of this storm, as reports suggest that auroras were visible at magnetic latitudes as low as 26 degrees, potentially rivaling the lowest-latitude aurora sightings recorded in the past five centuries.

Teresa Nieves-Chinchilla, acting director of NASA's Moon to Mars (M2M) Space Weather Analysis Office, emphasized the importance of studying this event for years to come. The data gathered will be invaluable for testing the limits of existing models and enhancing our understanding of solar storms, ensuring better forecasts and preparedness for future space weather events.

The significance of this storm extends beyond Earth. As the active region responsible for the storm moves around the backside of the Sun and away from Earth's reach, the NASA-led Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) continues to monitor its activities from its position approximately 12 degrees ahead of Earth in its orbit. Moreover, this solar storm presents a unique opportunity to gather valuable data on space weather's impact on Earth's upper atmosphere, as well as on satellites, crewed missions, and Earth and space-based infrastructure.

NASA's future missions, including the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) and Dynamical Neutral Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (DYNAMIC), will focus on studying and measuring how Earth's atmosphere responds to such energy influxes during solar storms. These measurements are crucial not only for space exploration but also for understanding the impact of space weather on our planet as NASA's Artemis missions aim to send astronauts back to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Furthermore, the storm prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center to issue warnings to power grid and commercial satellite operators, allowing them to take necessary precautions. NASA's ICESat-2 mission, which studies polar ice sheets, entered safe mode to protect its instruments from potential issues caused by the storm.

Citizen involvement through the NASA-funded Aurorasaurus project proved vital during this event, with thousands of reports submitted worldwide. These reports, including non-sightings, aid scientists in comprehending the extent and characteristics of auroras, thanks to the increased sensitivity of modern cameras, including those found on standard cell phones.

As NASA's missions continue to unfold, the valuable insights gained from studying this historic solar storm will enhance our capability to understand and navigate the dynamic world of space weather, ensuring the safety and success of future space exploration endeavors.