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
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.
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.
This diagram shared by NOAA Space Weather explains the phenomenon better than we ever could…
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…
BREAKING! @NWSSWPC has issued a Watch for a possible strong geomagnetic storm (G3). That means observers might see auroras as far south as the WA/OR border Wednesday night and into Thursday. Read more at EarthSky: https://t.co/6Xd48jM0Nf pic.twitter.com/pOEchDzxMg
— EarthSky (@earthskyscience) August 16, 2022