The US Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a rare G4 Geomagnetic Storm Watch in response to an oncoming solar storm, the first of its kind since 2005.
A major solar storm is likely to reach Earth this weekend, prompting the US Space Weather Prediction Center to issue a rare major (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch, the second-highest rating on a five-step scale. This storm, the first of its sort since January 2005, offers serious hazards such as power outages, navigation system disruptions, and interference with high-frequency radios throughout the planet.
Trans-polar flights between Europe, Asia, and North America are anticipated to be diverted to reduce radiation exposure for passengers and crew, according to Bloomberg.
“Watches at this level are very rare,” the Space Weather Prediction Center said.
This heightened state of alert comes as many waves of solar energy are expected to strike the globe. Five explosions of material from the sun’s atmosphere are expected to occur, beginning late Friday and continuing through Sunday. According to Bloomberg, satellites will record inbound bursts of energy 60 to 90 minutes before the storm strikes Earth to determine its exact force.
Coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, are explosive occurrences on the sun’s surface that result in the discharge of plasma and magnetic fields from the corona. When these CMEs hit Earth, they can cause geomagnetic storms. These storms have the potential to influence a variety of systems, both in near-Earth orbit and on the planet’s surface. This includes the possibility of disruptions to communications, the electric power infrastructure, navigation, radio, and satellite activities.
While humans are protected by Earth’s magnetic field, unprepared electric networks are in danger of disruption, pipelines may become charged with electricity, and spacecraft may be thrown off course. The latest G5 storm, the worst on the scale, occurred in October 2003, causing power disruptions in Sweden and transformer damage in South Africa.
Geomagnetic storms may also cause spectacular aurora displays in the Earth’s atmosphere. According to the US agency, the severity of the current geomagnetic storm watch means that auroras, often known as the Northern Lights, may be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California. Aurora displays may be stunning in regions of Asia and Europe with a suitably dark and clear sky. The UK Met Office anticipates that the aurora will be visible throughout the United Kingdom.
