What are solar storms, how they affect them and how to prepare for them

2023-04-21 10:46:00

During the week of March 24, 2023, a gigantic hole was detected in the solar corona, specifically in the southern hemisphere. It is estimated that its size ranged between 300,000 and 400,000 kilometers wide, which means that it could host approximately thirty planets like Earth.

The implications were not particularly severe: fluctuations in the voltage of the electrical networks and occasional interruptions in the GPS system. In addition, all satellites in low Earth orbit will need to be monitored, as they may experience slight changes in their motion, speed, and trajectory.

A solar superstorm shakes the Earth every 1,000 years

It is not the first time that the Earth has been the victim of the effects of a solar storm, and in the past the effects have become much more severe. This is the case, for example, of evento Carringtona powerful solar storm that occurred in 1859. It was named after British astronomer Richard Carrington, who observed and recorded sunspots that produced the most intense geomagnetic storm ever recorded on Earth.

The storm caused disruption to telegraph systems in Europe and North America, as currents induced by the geomagnetic storm overloaded telegraph lines, causing sparks, fires, and equipment damage.

It’s hard to know how such an event would affect the world today, but in 2008, the US National Academy of Sciences released an analysis of the likely consequences. The conclusion is that an event of this magnitude would cause unprecedented social, political and economic disruption worldwide, far exceeding the effects of the pandemic. The total economic impact could exceed $2 billion in the United States or 20 times the costs of Hurricane Katrina.

WHAT ARE THESE EVENTS?

A solar storm, also known as a geomagnetic storm, is a phenomenon that occurs when the Sun emits a large amount of charged particles and electromagnetic radiation that iInteracts with Earth’s magnetic field and Earth’s upper atmosphere.

These solar storms typically originate from events on the Sun’s surface, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), solar flares, and high-speed solar wind streams. Coronal mass ejections are massive releases of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, while solar flares are sudden bursts of energy that release electromagnetic radiation.

How dangerous is a big solar storm?

When these particles and radiation reach Earth, they can interact with Earth’s magnetic field and cause a variety of effects. Among them, the generation of induced geomagnetic currents on the earth’s surface, which can affect electrical networks and communications, as well as cause auroras in high and low latitudes.

Although solar storms occur regularly, most of them are of moderate intensity and have limited impact on terrestrial infrastructure. However, it is possible that one day a much more powerful storm will take place that compromises our survival.

The NOAA (United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) uses a 5-level scale to classify the intensity of solar or geomagnetic storms, known as the G scale of geomagnetic storms. These levels are based on the Kp geomagnetic index, which measures fluctuations in the Earth’s magnetic field.

1. G1 – Minor: Corresponds to a Kp index of 5. May cause slight effects on power grids, small power fluctuations, and auroras visible at high latitudes.

2. G2 – Moderate: Corresponds to a Kp index of 6. It can cause more extended auroras, anomalous voltages in power systems and possible effects on satellites orbiting the Earth.

3. G3 – Strong: Corresponds to a Kp index of 7. It can generate power fluctuations in electrical networks, difficulties in controlling the electrical network, possible impacts on satellite navigation and auroras visible at lower latitudes than normal.

4. G4 – Severa: Corresponds to a Kp index of 8. It can cause more serious problems in electrical systems, interruptions in satellite navigation and communications, and visible auroras in even lower latitudes.

5. G5 – Extreme: Corresponds to a Kp index of 9. It can cause power grid failures, extensive damage to transformers, widespread outages in communications and satellite navigation, and visible auroras at very low latitudes.

These magnitude levels allow NOAA to provide useful warnings and forecasts to authorities, businesses, and the general public so they can take precautions and prepare for potential impacts from solar storms.

HOW TO PREPARE?

Preparing for and surviving a particularly powerful solar storm requires planning and preventative measures. Here are some strategies to deal with these types of events:

1. Be informed: Stay on top of space weather alerts and forecasts issued by agencies like NOAA and other similar organizations. These alerts can provide advance information about possible solar storms.

2. Emergency plan: Develop an emergency plan for your home and family that includes actions to take in the event of a severe solar storm. Make sure all family members are aware of the plan and know how to execute it. Keep extra batteries or external chargers to charge your phone, laptop, and other small electronics in the event of a power outage.

3. communications: Make sure you have alternate methods of communication available, such as shortwave radios or Citizens Band (CB) radios, as cell phone and internet networks can be affected during a solar storm.

4. supply reserves: Store non-perishable food, drinking water and essential medicines for at least two weeks, in case prolonged power outages affect the supply of basic goods.

5. backup power: Consider investing in a portable generator and keep it charged and ready to go. Make sure you have enough fuel safely stored for your operation.

6. Protection of electronic devices: Electronic devices can be affected by solar storms. To protect them, use surge protectors on your devices, and consider storing additional electronics, such as radios and flashlights, in a Faraday cage or electromagnetic shielding (EMP) bags.

7. vehicle preparation: Vehicle electronic systems can also be affected by intense solar storms. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has a full tank of fuel.

8. Finance: Have cash on hand, as electronic transactions and ATMs can be affected by power outages or interruptions in communications.

9. community networks: Collaborate with your neighbors and the local community to develop emergency plans and share resources in the event of a severe solar storm.

10. Survival skills training: Learn basic survival skills such as first aid, how to make a fire, how to purify water, and how to grow and preserve food.

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