The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has predicted that a “severe solar storm” will hit Earth tonight, the first of its kind in 20 years. These geomagnetic storms occur from time to time, but as we approach the peak of the Sun’s 11-year cycle, space weather becomes more intense.
A geomagnetic storm occurs when solar flares and coronal mass ejections occur on the Sun, causing changes in the solar wind that reach the protective mantle of Earth’s magnetic field. At best, these storms produce beautiful northern lights. But in a worst-case scenario, geomagnetic storms can disrupt Earth’s navigation systems, such as GPS, and cause disruptions to the power grid and radio and satellite communications systems.
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The upcoming geomagnetic storm has received a G4 rating, which denotes a strong storm. Consequently, the Space Weather Prediction Center had to issue a geomagnetic storm warning. Significantly, this is the first such warning since January 2005. The center expects at least five coronal mass eruptions to occur between late evening today, May 10, and May 12. It should be noted here that the day before, on May 9, there was a strong solar flare.
It should be noted that the coronal mass ejection is one of the most active and powerful events on the Sun. A great deal of magnetic energy is ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere into space. These events can cause significant changes in the flow of the solar wind.
