Geomagnetic Activity Expected To Peak Over Next Few Days
Science/Medical/Technology
Monday 29th, July 2024
A series of geomagnetic storms, ranging in intensity from weak to strong, are set to impact Earth this week. These storms, classified from G1 to G3, are a result of multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun, which occurred between 27th and 28th July. The CMEs are anticipated to reach Earth between 29th July and 1st August, according to scientists.
The geomagnetic storm activity is expected to begin with weak (G1) storms on 29th and 31st July, which may intensify to moderate (G2) levels. The strongest storm, classified as G3, is forecasted for 30th July.
In recent days, solar activity has been moderate, with several significant solar flares observed in the Sun’s southeastern region. Another notable flare occurred in the largest active region located in the southwest of the Sun. Currently, there are 11 regions with sunspots visible on the solar disk. The southwest quadrant houses the largest and most complex area of sunspots.
A cluster of sunspots in the southeastern quadrant is continuing to grow in size, with tangled magnetic loops contributing to the instability of the region. The southwest region, marked by dark spots, has also seen a significant increase in activity. A coronal mass ejection, originating from sunspot M9.9, is responsible for the impending geomagnetic storms. Scientists believe that this CME coincided with mass ejections from other sunspot areas, thus compounding the effects.
Experts remind the public that geomagnetic storms are periods of rapid magnetic change, lasting from several hours to several days. These storms have two primary causes. Firstly, the Sun occasionally emits a strong burst of solar wind into space, known as a coronal mass ejection. These powerful solar winds interact with Earth’s magnetic field, causing complex fluctuations.
This interaction creates accompanying electrical currents in near Earth space, which in turn generate additional changes in the magnetic field – all this constitutes a 'magnetic storm'.
Secondly, sometimes the Sun’s magnetic field aligns directly with Earth’s field. This alignment is not common, but when it occurs, charged particles can easily penetrate the magnetosphere, generating currents and causing significant changes in the magnetic field.
The impact of these geomagnetic storms can extend to various technological systems on Earth, including satellite operations, GPS navigation, and power grids. People in affected areas may also witness enhanced auroras.
The geomagnetic storm activity is expected to begin with weak (G1) storms on 29th and 31st July, which may intensify to moderate (G2) levels. The strongest storm, classified as G3, is forecasted for 30th July.
In recent days, solar activity has been moderate, with several significant solar flares observed in the Sun’s southeastern region. Another notable flare occurred in the largest active region located in the southwest of the Sun. Currently, there are 11 regions with sunspots visible on the solar disk. The southwest quadrant houses the largest and most complex area of sunspots.
A cluster of sunspots in the southeastern quadrant is continuing to grow in size, with tangled magnetic loops contributing to the instability of the region. The southwest region, marked by dark spots, has also seen a significant increase in activity. A coronal mass ejection, originating from sunspot M9.9, is responsible for the impending geomagnetic storms. Scientists believe that this CME coincided with mass ejections from other sunspot areas, thus compounding the effects.
Experts remind the public that geomagnetic storms are periods of rapid magnetic change, lasting from several hours to several days. These storms have two primary causes. Firstly, the Sun occasionally emits a strong burst of solar wind into space, known as a coronal mass ejection. These powerful solar winds interact with Earth’s magnetic field, causing complex fluctuations.
This interaction creates accompanying electrical currents in near Earth space, which in turn generate additional changes in the magnetic field – all this constitutes a 'magnetic storm'.
Secondly, sometimes the Sun’s magnetic field aligns directly with Earth’s field. This alignment is not common, but when it occurs, charged particles can easily penetrate the magnetosphere, generating currents and causing significant changes in the magnetic field.
The impact of these geomagnetic storms can extend to various technological systems on Earth, including satellite operations, GPS navigation, and power grids. People in affected areas may also witness enhanced auroras.
