Could another 'Carrington Event' solar storm happen?

A potent solar storm prompted the first severe geomagnetic storm watch in nearly two decades in the U.S., dazzling observers with vivid Northern Lights as far south as Florida, while raising concerns about potential disruptions to communication and GPS systems.

Northern lights forecast for DC, MD & VA; G5 Extreme Geomagnetic Storm Watch reaches Earth

An extremely strong solar storm may make the northern lights visible to millions in the U.S. on Friday - including some near the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia regions. But those same solar flares that could bring skygazers around the DMV a glimpse of the aurora borealis could also potentially disrupt communications this weekend.