O Solar Observatory of NASA recorded two intense geomagnetic storms this Friday (10) at 10:23 pm (Brasília time) and this Saturday at 8:44 am. Solar flares will continue to happen until this Sunday (12).
The phenomena were classified as X5.8 and X1.5, where X demonstrates more intense explosions and the number classifies their strength. Depending on how they impact Earth, these storms can disrupt communications, electrical power, navigation, and radio and satellite operations.
Northern and southern lights occurred at both poles of the planet as a result of explosions on the Sun. The phenomena were visible as far as northern Italy.
BREAKING: Thousands of reports of Northern Lights coming in from multiple locations across Europe. A severe G4 geomagnetic storm is currently affecting Earth. Truly the most stunning aurora show in years. Currently visible as far south as northern Italy. pic.twitter.com/S3uvGCxiHe
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) May 10, 2024
According to Clinton Wallace, Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “this is an unusual and potentially historic event.”
This phenomenon happens when there are explosions on the Sun that expels plasma and magnetic fields. They cause geomagnetic storms when they are directed towards Earth, which can impact some technologies used on the planet’s surface.
Effects on Earth
Although not all solar storms cause major impacts, those considered intense can affect communications operations, such as:
- Damage to satellites: These changes could affect satellites and other spacecraft in orbit, altering their orientation or potentially disabling their electronics;
- Radio broadcasts: Changes in the ionosphere can block or degrade radio transmissions trying to pass through the atmosphere to reach satellites. Furthermore, they can also prevent radio transmissions from being successfully reflected in the ionosphere.
- Electrical network: Severe space weather can compromise power grids, causing “widespread voltage control issues”, protection systems can also mistakenly trip important power grid assets.
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