The Sun unleashed a huge torrent of particles directly at our globe a few days ago. Space weather specialists predicted a large geomagnetic storm in the aftermath of the occurrence, but they were slightly optimistic. The typhoon is more powerful than expected. Actually, it is the greatest in six years, as well as the largest in this solar cycle, which began in December 2019.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a space weather forecasting section that monitors what’s happening up there, and things are certainly growing wild. The storm has a G4 classification, indicating that it is strong – only one step below intense.
People are not in peril, but these geomagnetic disturbances can disrupt electronics. Voltage control issues are common, and spaceships can experience electrical charge formation on their surface, raising drag.
There isn’t enough oxygen to breathe in low-Earth orbit, but the atmosphere stretches far enough that it slows satellites down over time. Changes in the magnetic field on one side cause the atmosphere on the other side to thicken, delaying the spacecraft even more. They risk being slowed down so much over time that they crash back to Earth.
It’s conceivable that the quality of global navigation satellite systems will deteriorate during a G4 geomagnetic storm, making it more challenging to navigate on land, in the air, and on the water.
However, it’s not all bad. When it comes to these powerful occurrences, the auroras are a hugely significant plus. Tonight is predicted to be an especially active night for the northern lights, which may be visible as far south as Kentucky and Missouri.
So, if you’re in the proper place, get out there and attempt to see the aurora. And if you aren’t, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, don’t fret. Every solar cycle, there are about 100 G4-level cyclones, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities over the next seven years, particularly since we’re not yet at the peak of solar activity. This will happen in 2025.
