Widespread Disruptions Are Predicted
A recent warning of solar activity alerted a flurry of sunspots and flares. The sun’s geomagnetic force often causes issues with communications and satellite operations on Earth.
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The sunspot cluster is known as NOM region 3664, an area 16 times larger than Earth.
Severe Storm Watch Has Been Issued
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) sent out a warning for a severe (G4) geomagnetic storm.
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The sun flares are predicted to be the worst since January 2005, when power outages and satellite disruptions were reported around the globe. The storm is predicted to begin tonight and occur well through the morning.
What Is a Geomagnetic Storm?
According to NOAA, a geomagnetic storm is a significant disturbance of the planet’s magnetosphere. It occurs when energy or solar flares disrupt the atmosphere on Earth. Large storms on the Sun’s surface often cause these storms.
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The impacts on Earth can vary due to the intensity of the storms, but in general, anything controlled through electricity can be affected by a change in magnetic pull.
Common Disruptions From Geomagnetic Storms
Some issues predicted to occur from the changes in the atmosphere are issues with power grids, satellite disruptions, and radio blackouts.
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All new and old technology depends on some part of magnetic waves. GPS navigation and radio are two technologies that heavily depend on radio waves to operate.
The Storm Has Caused Massive Solar Flares
The magnetic storm on the sun’s surface has also caused large solar flares and intense bursts of radiation associated with sunspots.
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Solar flares are large explosive events that can be seen easily from Earth. They can last minutes to hours and look like the Sun’s brightness has increased a few levels. Besides affecting magnetic pull and radio waves, the event is mostly harmless.
Unexpected Benefit of the Solar Flares
The solar flares and satellite outages in the northern United States will have a small upside.
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In a rare occurrence, the aurora borealis will be visible from Alabama to northern California. The spectacular light show will be brought downward by the change in magnetic pull in the atmosphere for a once-in-a-lifetime event.
The Storm Is Expected To Persist Throughout the Weekend
The Space Weather Prediction Center has identified five large solar flares and events that will occur throughout the weekend.
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The changes in the Sun’s visibility and issues with technology are expected to begin midday on May 10th and persist throughout the weekend.
Coronal Mass Ejections Are Pedicted To Occur
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are large bursts of plasma and magnetic fields that can cause massive issues when they occur in the direct path of the Earth.
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Issues with satellite communications, navigation systems, and communications have been reported in the past. Governments and large communication networks have been urged to take precautions during the storm.
Possible Electricity Outages Could Affect Residents
The Space Weather Center has also warned the rest of the U.S. to be on the lookout for possible issues with the electricity grid.
Source: @sciencenoteblog/X
The solar flares can often spark issues with the magnetic fields around large electricity plants. Widespread voltage issues could surge during the storm and cause failure on large grids.
All Spacecraft Operations Will Be Put On Hold
Earlier this week, Elon Musk and his team at SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 rocket to deposit several Starlink Satellites into the atmosphere. Luckily, they could complete the mission without interference from the geomagnetic storm.
Source: @NASAKennedy/X
However, this weekend, space exploration and travel will be put on hold due to recurring sun storms. Charging and tracking issues are also at risk during massive magnetic shifts.
Last Storms of This Magnitude Caused Massive Outages
In October 2003, similar extreme storms with the same G4 rating occurred.
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Mass power outages were reported throughout Sweden and the rest of Europe. As well, multiple power transformers were damaged in South Africa.