Geomagnetic storm

This illustration shows a CME blasting off the Sun’s surface in the direction of a CME blast and subsequent impact on Earth – Photo: Flickr / NASA Sun Earth

STRONG geomagnetic storm hits Earth today: How will it affect SA?

The very worst of a strong geomagnetic storm reaches Earth on Thursday – and South Africans may notice its impact throughout the day.

Geomagnetic storm

This illustration shows a CME blasting off the Sun’s surface in the direction of a CME blast and subsequent impact on Earth – Photo: Flickr / NASA Sun Earth

Who had ‘strong geomagnetic storm’ on their bingo card for 2022, then? A set of ‘Coronal Mass Ejections’ from the sun are set to reach Earth on Thursday, causing a disruption to the planet’s upper atmosphere.

Geomagnetic storm forecast for Thursday 18 August

Later today, the geomagnetic storm is expected to reach its peak. Rated as a G3-category event, it has been identified as a ‘strong storm’ that will cause a set of auroras in the night sky. Many people living in the Northern Hemisphere could witness a spectacular Northern Lights display.

A coronal hole has allowed solar wind to escape the sun in a high-speed stream, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center. So, why does the geomagnetic storm suddenly intensify on Thursday?

It’s all down to a combination of high-speed solar wind from a coronal hole, and the effect of multiple Coronal Mass Ejections. There is no single big ejection, but instead, there are several smaller ones reaching Earth around the same time – compounding the impact.

What is a Coronal Mass Ejection?

This diagram shared by NOAA Space Weather explains the phenomenon better than we ever could…

Geomagnetic storm
The G3 category storm will reach its peak on Thursday 18 August – Photo: NOAA Space Weather

How will a geomagnetic storm affect South Africa?

Parts of the Northern Hemisphere will be able to witness the impact of this geomagnetic storm first-hand. But can we expect anything different down here in South Africa? Sadly for us, there won’t be anything immediately observable.

However, this event will have a global reach: Scientists have warned that GPS and satellite communication systems are likely to be affected. And get this: It’s also reported that electricity grids could face OUTAGES as the solar flares reach our planet.

As if Mzansi needed any more help losing power…