A powerful solar storm has slammed into Earth on Thursday, potentially causing widespread disruptions to communication systems, power grids, and GPS services, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The coronal mass ejection (CME), an immense eruption of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona, erupted on Tuesday evening and reached Earth at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday. Traveling at an astonishing speed of nearly 1.5 million miles per hour (2.4 million kilometers per hour), the solar storm has sparked concerns across the globe.
The storm has reached G4 (Severe) levels on the geomagnetic storm scale, prompting NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) to issue multiple warnings and alerts. A G4 or higher Geomagnetic Storm Watch remains in effect through Thursday and into Friday.
The intense geomagnetic activity could pose significant challenges to recovery efforts for hurricanes Helene and Milton by disrupting communication networks, stressing power infrastructure, and degrading GPS services critical for coordination and logistics.
In addition to affecting technology and recovery operations, the solar storm may offer a rare spectacle for skywatchers. Under clear skies, the aurora borealis could be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California on Thursday night, painting the night sky with vibrant colors.
Geomagnetic storms like this occur when CMEs are directed towards Earth, interacting with our planet’s magnetic field. While they can create breathtaking natural displays, they also remind us of the sun’s powerful influence on our technology-dependent world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
