Listen to Story A series of powerful solar events is set to impact Earth, potentially triggering significant geomagnetic storms over the next few days. Three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are currently en route to our planet, with the first two launched by M-class solar flares on August 7. These initial CMEs are relatively minor, but the third, propelled by an X1.
3-class solar flare on August 8th, is far more potent. A CME is a massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the Sun's corona. These eruptions release billions of tons of plasma into space, potentially impacting Earth's magnetosphere and causing disruptions to satellites, communications, and power grids.
The X1.3-class flare , originating from active sunspot AR3777, produced an extreme ultraviolet flash that was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. This flare ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a shortwave radio blackout that affected regions from North America to the Hawaiian islands, disrupting signals below 30 MHz for up to an hour.
Following the flare, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) detected a halo CME heading directly for Earth, traveling at speeds exceeding 1,000 km per second. This CME is expected to arrive by August 11, compounding the effects of the earlier CMEs. The combined impact of these solar events could elevate geomagnetic storm levels to category G3 (Strong), potentially sparking mid-latitude auroras visible in the USA and Europe.
The International Space Station. (Photo: Nasa) A geomagnetic storm occurs when a CME or solar wind disturbs Earth's magnetic field. This can lead to beautiful auroras but also disrupts GPS, radio communications, and power systems.
The intensity of these storms depends on the strength and direction of the solar wind's magnetic field. The upcoming storms are expected to create prime conditions for auroras, which could be visible much further from the poles than usual. The sunspot AR3777, responsible for the X1.
3-class flare, is currently one of the most active regions on the Sun. Its continued activity highlights the increasing solar activity as we approach the solar maximum, the peak of the Sun's 11-year cycle. This period is characterized by heightened solar activity, including more frequent and intense solar flares and CMEs.
As these solar particles make their way to Earth, space weather experts are closely monitoring the situation. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch, urging preparedness for potential impacts on technological infrastructure. Mariners, ham radio operators, and those reliant on satellite-based systems are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Earth was hit by a relentless barrage of solar storm in May that had triggered auroras as far as India and put satellites under intense pressure..
