Earth is currently experiencing a moderate solar storm, raising concerns about potential disruptions to technology. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a geomagnetic storm watch after a coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed lifting off the sun’s corona on Sunday. The CME is expected to cause a moderate solar storm on Earth on Monday and Tuesday.
What is a solar storm? A solar storm, also known as a geomagnetic storm, occurs when the solar wind, which consists of charged particles constantly streaming from the sun, interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. This interaction can cause significant disturbances, depending on the variations in the solar wind. NASA explains that these disturbances can lead to major changes in Earth’s magnetosphere, affecting currents, plasmas, and fields.
The current solar storm resulted from an eruption from a filament, which is a magnetic field suspended above the sun’s surface containing billions of tons of solar material. When this magnetic field becomes unstable, it can eject material into space, dragging a strong, localized magnetic field with it. These filament eruptions are what caused the observed solar storms.
One of the main concerns during intense geomagnetic storms is the potential disruption to technology. These storms can bombard Earth with subatomic particles, potentially interfering with navigation systems, such as radio and GPS signals, as well as electrical power networks. The storms also add energy to currents in the magnetosphere, causing extra drag on satellites in low-Earth orbit.
However, NOAA reassures that this particular storm should not bring any major impacts to everyday life. While there may be anomalous activity on high-voltage transmission lines, the power grid is equipped to handle slight disruptions. Additionally, measures can be taken to keep satellites at their proper orbital height if the atmosphere heats up due to geomagnetic storm activity.
One of the most visible manifestations of CMEs impacting Earth’s magnetosphere is the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. The interaction between the CME and Earth’s magnetosphere creates ribbons of light in the far northern skies, glowing in green, pink, and other colors. The stronger the solar storm, the farther south the northern lights can be seen.
NOAA ranks geomagnetic storms on a five-point scale, with G5 being the strongest. G5 storms can lead to power blackouts and auroras possibly being visible as far south as Florida and southern Texas. However, the upcoming G2, or “moderate,” storm is not a cause for concern for the general public. Power systems at high latitudes may experience voltage alarms, and long-duration storms could cause transformer damage. High-frequency radio signals may also fade at higher latitudes.
For those interested in viewing the auroras, they are forecasted to be visible on Monday into Tuesday in northern and upper Midwest states, from New York to Idaho. The best viewing conditions require getting away from city lights and taking the full moon into account. The auroras are expected to be visible from states like South Dakota, Iowa, North Dakota, Montana, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The frequency of aurora displays is expected to increase in the coming years as the sun reaches the solar maximum stage of its magnetic field activity in 2025. Earth is currently approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which is expected to bring more sunspots with intense magnetic activity. NOAA warns that impactful space weather events are possible throughout 2024.
In addition to the solar storm, stargazers will have a rare chance to see a total solar eclipse on April 8. Shawn Dahl from NOAA advises viewers to equip themselves with the correct eyewear to safely observe this phenomenon.
As Earth continues to experience solar storms and other space weather events, it is crucial to stay informed and prepared. While the current moderate solar storm is not expected to cause major disruptions, it serves as a reminder of the potential impact these events can have on technology and our daily lives.
