Washington, D.C. – On May 31, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory captured a powerful solar eruption on video using space-based instruments.

The eruption was a Coronal Mass Ejection, or CME, and it was aimed directly at Earth.

Scientists classified it as a “halo CME” with a velocity of more than 1,700 kilometers per second.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a severe geomagnetic storm alert.

The alert was rated G4, the second-highest level of geomagnetic storms.

These storms can disturb Earth’s magnetosphere, affecting satellites, power grids, and GPS systems.

The May 30 solar flare released a massive burst of energy toward Earth.

Auroras were seen as far south as New Mexico.

The NRL’s LASCO and CCOR-1 instruments provided real-time images of the CME.

These observations help predict the arrival and effects of space weather on Earth.

The storm can interfere with communications, military operations, and spacecraft.

NRL experts say such disturbances impact precision systems and situational awareness.

The laboratory has tracked space weather since the first CME discovery in 1971.

Their instruments now operate on multiple NASA and NOAA missions.

The ability to forecast CMEs is critical for national defense and infrastructure protection.

The data from this storm will guide future research and preparedness.

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