Earth’s magnetic storm has increased to G3 (strong) level, contrary to forecasts. The degree of disturbance in the Earth’s magnetic field is measured by scientists on a five-point scale, where G1 is the weakest disturbance and G5 is extremely strong.
As reported on the website of the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy IKI RAN, the change in the geomagnetic situation began around 06:00 Bulgarian time, when the speed of the solar wind jumped from 350 km/s to about 450 km/s. The second jump to about 530 km/s happened yesterday around 12:00 Bulgarian time and led to an increase in geomagnetic activity to the G1 level.
Previously, data was published on the laboratory’s website, according to which the next plasma cloud will hit the Earth with an almost 100% probability. According to the forecast, the magnetic storm was supposed to start on Thursday evening, with its strength estimated at the level of G1-G2.
Solar flares are divided into five classes depending on the power of X-rays: A, B, C, M and X. The minimum class A0.0 corresponds to a radiation power in the Earth’s orbit of 10 nW per 1 square meter. When moving to the next letter, the power increases 10 times. Eruptions are usually accompanied by emissions of solar plasma, clouds of which, reaching Earth, can cause magnetic storms.
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