Scientists and researchers have warned of a possible solar storm that could hit earth today.
A giant explosion has erupted on the solar surface, making a ”new and active” region that sent a solar storm hurtling towards Earth. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters have predicted a slight chance of a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm today, August 3. Though the intensity of the storm seems to be weak, it may cause power grid failures, disruptions in satellite signals as well as affect migration of birds as they are dependant on the Earth’s magnetic field for direction.
The Sun is in its 11-year active solar cycle, and hence solar storms have become more intense and extreme. The Sun has been quite volatile lately and therefore, NASA recently warned people of huge solar eruptions becoming more frequent from now on. Here you need to know everything about solar storms from frequency to effects.
What is a solar storm?
A solar storm occurs due to a massive explosion of plasma and other materials on the Sun that affect the entire solar system including the earth. The solar storms are usually monitored by using x-rays and optical lights.
How frequent are the solar storms?
According to NASA, the sun goes through cycles of high to low activity in an 11-year cycle and the highest active time of the cycle could result in several solar storms that can affect the earth.
As mentioned by NASA, the sun’s 11-year activity cycle will peak by 2025.
What is the duration of a solar storm?
As per NASA, a solar storm could last from a few minutes to several hours but its effect on earth could be seen for days or sometimes weeks depending on their intensity.
How solar storms can affect earth?
The impact of a solar storm depends on its intensity. The more intense it is, the more its effect will be ranging from disrupted electronic communication on earth to satellite blackouts.
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