2024-05-12 01:17:51
A wave of geomagnetic activity is rolling toward Earth. Solar storms can cause not only disruptions, but also spectacular celestial phenomena.
The sun is currently very active again. Four coronal mass ejections or solar flares are expected in the next few days. This was announced by the US Meteorological and Oceanographic Agency (NOAA).
According to the space.com website, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has increased the activity level of electromagnetic storms to level G 4 – the second highest level on the scale. “Highly increased” geomagnetic activity is therefore expected on Earth. And that can be problematic.
The reason: The plasma cloud can deform the earth’s magnetic field when the two collide. An electrical voltage is created and electrically charged particles can penetrate deeper into the earth’s atmosphere than usual. And we feel this in several areas.
Possible effects of solar storms on Earth
Space.com explains exactly what this means: “At level G 4, there is a risk that there will be widespread problems with voltage regulation, which will have an impact on the power grid.” In addition, satellite and low-frequency radio navigation systems such as GPS could be disrupted.
This means that some flight routes have to be changed. Flights in the polar region in particular are avoided because solar storms here can affect navigation, according to the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research website.
The impact on the power grid is, for example, that high voltages build up and strong currents flow, according to the institute. This can destroy transformers, for example. This can cause the power grid to partially fail. This is particularly the case at high latitudes, according to the Max Planck Institute.
Particularly strong solar storms of higher levels could, for example, lead to an internet failure.
Solar storms: stages and effects
G1: low strength
weak fluctuations in the power grid, minor impact on satellite operations
G2: moderate strength
Damage to transistors possible, disrupted radio reception
G3: Stark
Problems with satellite navigation and low frequency radio. Irregular voltage in the power grid.
G4: serious strength
Impairment of satellite and radio navigation for hours. Shortwave reception interrupted.
G5: extreme strength
Massive problems with voltage regulation in the power grid. Collapse of certain power grids is possible, resulting in damage to transformers. Shortwave reception and satellite navigation may be interrupted for days.
The first effects of the solar storms were already expected on Friday, with maximum activity expected to occur on Saturday.
Solar activity lights up the night sky
But the increased activity of the sun also has a positive side effect – because it also increases the likelihood of seeing the northern lights in the night sky. According to NOAA, the chances of seeing this natural spectacle are highest in northern latitudes. Onlookers can get their money’s worth, especially in the northern part of North America.
In Europe, the Aurora borealis, the scientific name for the northern lights, is said to be observed primarily in the northern part of Scandinavia. Nevertheless, a look at the night sky can still be worthwhile in this country, especially on Saturday night.