Artist’s depiction of a black hole eating a nearby star In 2005, astronomers detected a…
The Sun could Wipe Out Your Internet This Month via Coronal Mass Ejection
We have a new climate threat that’s as old as the planet: geomagnetic storms caused by the Sun
A geomagnetic storm caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun is expected to impact Earth. The CME is made up of plasma particles and magnetic fields that are released from the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere. The CME is travelling at incredible speeds of millions of kilometers per hour, and if it hits Earth, it could trigger a geomagnetic storm that could affect radio waves.
The US-based Space Weather Prediction Center has forecasted that in May, a coronal mass ejection CME could cause a minor G1 class geomagnetic storm on Earth as it collides with the planet’s magnetic field. Geomagnetic storms occur when the magnetic fields of the CME and Earth interact, causing a rapid fluctuation in Earth’s magnetic field. This can create electrical currents in the ionosphere and on the Earth’s surface, which can disrupt satellite communications and power grids, as well as create auroras in the polar regions.
Birds could fall from the sky in droves
Migratory birds are among the living beings most vulnerable to the geomagnetic storm. These birds rely on Earth’s magnetic field for their navigational requirements. The geomagnetic storm could affect the birds’ ability to navigate and may cause them to get lost or disoriented.
Satellites are also at risk during a geomagnetic storm. The electrical currents that are created during the storm can disrupt the satellites’ operations, causing communication problems and even damaging the equipment.
A similar event recently occurred on April 22-23 when a CME from the Sun hit Earth at a speed of 21,60,000 kilometers per hour, causing a major geomagnetic storm that triggered auroras at even low altitudes. Auroras, also known as northern and southern lights, are caused by the solar wind interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, exciting particles in our atmosphere and causing a beautiful light show in the process.
In conclusion, while the effects of the impending geomagnetic storm may not be severe, it is important to be aware of its potential impact on our planet. As humans, we need to take measures to protect our infrastructure and wildlife from any possible disruption caused by this event.