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A powerful solar storm is brewing in outer space, and according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it could have a major impact on Earth’s critical infrastructure, especially communications networks. After more than two decades, NOAA issued a severe geomagnetic storm warning on Thursday and classified it as a Severe (G4) geomagnetic storm watch.
“NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) – a division of the National Weather Service – is monitoring the Sun following a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that began on May 8. Space weather forecasters are facing a severe (G4) SWPC said in a press statement, “Geomagnetic Storm Watch for the evening of Friday, May 10. “Geomagnetic storm conditions may persist through the weekend due to additional solar outbursts.”
The agency said a large sunspot cluster has produced several moderate to strong solar flares since 5:00 a.m. ET Wednesday. It said at least five flares were associated with the CME that appear to be Earth-directed, and SWPC forecasters will monitor NOAA and NASA space assets for the onset of the geomagnetic storm.
“CMEs are bursts of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona. When they are directed at Earth they cause geomagnetic storms. Geomagnetic storms affect infrastructure in Earth’s orbit and on Earth’s surface. “Can potentially disrupt communications, electrical power grids, navigation, radio and satellite operations,” the US agency said.
How do solar storms affect Earth?
Solar storms majorly affect communications and satellite networks and can disrupt various services such as communications, weather forecasting, GPS navigation and other satellite-dependent services. They can induce geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) to overload power systems, causing voltage regulation problems, transformer damage, and widespread power outages.
In addition, intense solar storms also pose health risks to humans, especially airline crew and passengers, especially on flights at high latitudes, because of the increased solar and cosmic radiation reaching the upper parts of the Earth’s atmosphere during solar storms. The quantity increases.
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Published: May 10, 2024, 05:07 PM IST
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