Geomagnetic Storm: What are geomagnetic storms, and what is their effect on the Earth?
For the last one or two days, it is being feared that a Geomagnetic Storm will come on Earth. It can damage our satellite and electricity grid to a great extent. The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced this. There is no clear clarity about its timing. But it has been told that geomagnetic storms can cause fluctuations in satellite and power grids.
Geomagnetic storms or solar storms are actually major events affecting space weather, in which highly magnetic particles from the Sun cause its coronal mass ejection (CME). This is the aura of plasma on the outer shell of the Sun. Solar flares and solar winds emerge from the CME itself, which form the main elements of this storm.
Disruption on Earth
The intensity of these storms is measured on a scale from G-1 to G-5, with G-1 being considered the weakest type of storm and G-5 being considered the most damaging storm. This storm disrupts the Earth’s magnetosphere when the space around Earth interacts with solar winds and particles.
Effect as electric field
Scientists believe that the most dangerous storm is related to the CME of the Sun. But the Earth’s own magnetic field neutralizes the radiation and magnetic effects emanating from CME events. Nevertheless, these fine particles do create a strong electric field on the surface of the Earth. It can spoil the functioning of many technology systems in space and on Earth.
What can be the effects of Geomagnetic Storm?
The effect of this storm can be on the Earth’s electrical and related activities. In this, from the electronic equipment of satellites working in space, the functioning of the Earth’s electric grid can be affected. Apart from this, the internet can also be affected along with radio communication.
162 years ago
These storms can affect the Earth for several hours to several days. It is said that it was first made a very bright and clear aurora on September 1 and 2 in 1859. At that time, the telegraph system of the whole world failed. Some telegraph operators had even informed about the electric shock.
The SWPC says that this storm will be a G2 level storm and will be dominantly effective from 60 degrees geomagnetic latitude to the poles. But its impact will not be much. Still, this bright Auror is undoubtedly sure to appear. The news on when this storm would come was different. Earlier it was told that this storm would come on 26 September, but now it is being said that the astronauts will definitely get to see its effect in the sky on the night of 27 and 28 September.
