A powerful Geomagnetic Solar Storm is on its way to Earth, bringing with it the chance to see northern lights in the U.S. However, it might also mess with communication systems this weekend. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning about this rare event, the first of its kind in almost 20 years.
They say a burst of plasma from a solar flare could cause problems with radio signals on our planet. On the bright side, it could also create spectacular aurora displays for people to enjoy.
Geomagnetic Solar Storm Approaches Earth
A Geomagnetic Solar Storm is brewing in space, and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that it could seriously affect Earth’s important systems, like communication networks. This warning, the first in over 20 years, marks it as a severe (G4) Geomagnetic Solar Storm Watch.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), part of the National Weather Service, is keeping a close eye on the sun due to recent solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) starting from May 8. They’ve predicted a severe (G4) Geomagnetic Solar Storm Watch for Friday evening, May 10, with the possibility of stormy conditions persisting over the weekend.
A sizable cluster of sunspots has been generating several strong solar flares since Wednesday, with at least five flares linked to CMEs heading towards Earth. SWPC is closely monitoring NOAA and NASA’s space equipment to spot the onset of a geomagnetic storm.
CMEs are bursts of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. When they head towards Earth, they trigger geomagnetic storms, which can disrupt communication systems, power grids, navigation, radio, and satellite operations both in space and on Earth’s surface.
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Solar Storm Impact on Earth
Geomagnetic Solar Storm have big effects on communication and satellite networks, causing problems for things like talking to people far away, predicting the weather, using GPS to find your way, and other services that rely on satellites. These storms can make electric currents in the ground that overload our electrical systems, which can damage transformers and cause big power failures.
And if a Geomagnetic Solar Storm is really strong, it can even be bad for people’s health, especially for people who fly in airplanes a lot, especially when the plane is flying over the top parts of the Earth during a solar storm. That’s because more radiation from the sun and space reaches those areas during these storms.
Can Solar Storm Impact People?
A recent alert from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Colorado assures the public there’s no need for worry. People living in areas with clear skies and higher latitudes, it could be a fantastic opportunity to witness beautiful night skies. This event is related to the sun’s magnetic field, which flips every 11 years, causing changes in solar activity.
We’re currently in a phase of high activity, called the solar maximum, which means these geomagnetic storms, like the one we just experienced on Sunday, might happen a few times a year. During quieter times, such storms are less frequent, with several years passing between them. Last December, there was a significant solar flare that caused disruptions in radio communications.
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Geomagnetic Solar Storm FAQs
Q.1. What is a solar storm?
Ans. A solar storm is a burst of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona that can disrupt communication and satellite networks on Earth.
Q.2. What are the impacts of solar storms on Earth?
Ans. Solar storms can affect communication systems, power grids, navigation, radio, and satellite operations, potentially causing power failures and other disruptions.
Q.3. Can solar storms impact people’s health?
Ans. Yes, particularly for frequent airplane travelers, as increased radiation during solar storms can pose health risks, especially at high altitudes.
Q.4. How often do solar storms occur? /
Ans. Solar storms occur more frequently during the solar maximum phase, which happens approximately every 11 years, with quieter times in between.
Q.5. What precautions should be taken during a solar storm?
Ans. During a solar storm, it’s advisable to limit air travel, secure electronic devices, and stay updated on weather alerts for potential disruptions.
