Summary: Scientists have issued a warning about a potent solar storm expected to strike Earth this week following powerful eruptions from the Sun. With a 60 percent chance of impact on Tuesday, the storm could cause geomagnetic disruptions and pose risks to power grids and astronauts in space. Despite concerns, no major disruptions have been reported so far.
Recent eruptions from the Sun have raised concerns among scientists about the potential impact of an upcoming solar storm on Earth. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning, indicating a 60 percent likelihood of the solar storm hitting Earth on Tuesday, with a lower possibility on Wednesday. The X handle of NASA Sun and Space also confirmed the occurrence of a M6.6-class solar flare on May 13, although it is not as powerful as the flares observed last week.
These solar flares, characterized by intense magnetic activity on the Sun’s surface, release large quantities of charged particles that accelerate and increase in number. This heightened activity is part of the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle. The impending solar storm is classified as a G2-class geomagnetic storm, considered of “Moderate” intensity. While such storms occur approximately 600 times per solar cycle, they still pose risks, including potential transformer damage at high latitudes and voltage alarms in power systems.
The powerful radiation emitted by charged particles during solar storms can also pose hazards for astronauts in space and may disrupt power grids on Earth. Despite these potential risks, the recent solar eruptions have also offered skywatchers a breathtaking spectacle in the form of vibrant auroras. Last week, stunning displays of auroras painted the skies with hues of pink, green, and purple, delighting observers from northern Europe to Tasmania, Australia.
NOAA predicts that the upcoming solar storms will also generate auroras, providing another opportunity for sky gazers to witness these celestial phenomena. While Friday’s storm reached level five geomagnetic conditions – the highest on the scale – Saturday experienced G3 to G5 conditions, with forecasts predicting G4 or higher conditions for Sunday. Despite initial concerns, there have been no major disruptions reported to power or communications networks. However, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the situation as the solar storm approaches Earth.
Read Now: Apple Prepares to Launch Vision Pro Mixed-Reality Headset Globally
