Global skies lit up early Saturday as Earth was struck by the most powerful solar storm in two decades, treating stargazers across the Northern Hemisphere to breathtaking displays of color. From Asia to North America, vibrant auroras painted the night sky, captivating both residents and travelers alike.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center reported that the first of several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) reached Earth shortly after 1600 GMT on Friday. Initially classified as a strong geomagnetic storm, it was later upgraded to an “extreme” level—the first such event since the remarkable “Halloween Storms” of October 2003.
Global agencies issue warnings
The unexpected intensity of the storm prompted the NOAA to issue a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning. China’s National Center for Space Weather also alerted that much of the country could experience impacts from the CMEs, cautioning that short-wave communications and satellite navigation systems might face interruptions.
Impact on technology and daily life
While no immediate disruptions to power grids or communication networks were reported, experts advise that such strong solar storms can have significant effects on technology-dependent systems. Business professionals and travelers relying on satellite navigation and communication are encouraged to stay informed through official channels.
The science behind the spectacle
This solar storm is linked to the sun’s 11-year activity cycle, which is currently on the rise. Solar storms occur when eruptions on the sun’s surface emit bursts of radiation and charged particles. When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can create geomagnetic storms that manifest as auroras near the polar regions.
Social media abuzz
Across social media platforms, users from various countries shared stunning photographs of the auroras, highlighting a shared moment of wonder that transcended borders and cultures. For the Asian diaspora and cultural enthusiasts, the event provided a unique connection to global natural phenomena.
More to come
Scientists anticipate additional CMEs to strike Earth in the coming days. Academics and researchers are closely monitoring the situation to study the effects and enhance predictive models for future solar activity.
Stay tuned to KhabarAsia.com for updates on this and other significant developments impacting Asia and the world.
Reference(s):
Earth hit by strongest solar storm since 2003, bringing auroras
cgtn.com
