NASA predicts that two major solar storms will impact Earth, which could disrupt life. The Sun continuously emits solar material into space – both in a steady flow and occasionally in more energetic outbursts called solar flares or solar storms. (NASA)
Scientists forecast that two significant solar storms will affect Earth around 5:30 p.m. this evening, where charged particles can impact our planet’s magnetosphere. This could potentially produce a beautiful aurora visible from around the world. However, there is also concern that in extreme cases and at high latitudes, these energetic particles can disrupt satellites, affecting global positioning systems and interfering with basic electrical and communication infrastructure on Earth.
“Our Sun celebrates July 4th (American Independence Day) with its own fireworks! There are two partially Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on our way. The second storm catches up and gives us a 1,2 punch. Models suggest possible impact July 7th,” tweeted heliophysicist Tamitha Skov on Wednesday.
Additionally, the scientists shared footage of both coronal mass ejections (CMEs), large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona, recorded by SOHO’s Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph Experiment (LASCO).
The scientists further state that NASA’s prediction indicates an effect around 7th July UT (around 5:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time). The first storm is slow and mainly goes in the northeast direction, while the second one is faster and has a more direct impact.
“Fast solar wind streams out of a coronal hole, possibly G1-strength with midlatitude aurora possible,” said the space weather physicist.
What are solar storms?
According to NASA, the Sun continuously emits solar material into space – both in a steady flow and occasionally in more energetic outbursts called solar flares or solar storms. During this period, an accumulation of charged particles, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), is expelled from the Sun for several hours, resembling a massive bulb connected by magnetic field lines.
What is the impact of solar storms?
When this solar material collides with Earth’s magnetosphere, it can sometimes generate geomagnetic storms. In extreme cases, these storms can disrupt Earth’s technology. However, specific warnings have not been issued for such storms.
Instances of solar storms affecting life on Earth
According to NASA, in 1989, a devastating solar storm caused a complete power blackout in Quebec, lasting for 12 hours.
The most intense recorded solar storm, known as the Carrington Event in 1859, caused fires at telegraph stations and disrupted the transmission of messages.