News JVTech A solar storm has just struck the earth, and the visual result is stunning.
Published on 03/27/2023 at 12:40
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A solar storm shattered the Earth on March 24 with a bang: its ferocity was quite high, but no one anticipated it. This is a remarkable phenomenon that has been observed in several parts of the globe.
Sometimes, looking up to the sky, we can see an amazing phenomenon. On March 24, the inhabitants of several countries around the world experienced a rare and unusual phenomenon: a solar storm. Although no one had anticipated it, this solar storm proved to be the most powerful to touch our planet in 6 years.
The Sun is in a very active stage.
Scientists have been paying attention to solar activity for several weeks now. Indeed, the Sun is in a very active phase, which is often linked to the appearance of geomagnetic storms, also known as solar storms. However, no star observation service has been able to anticipate the event that struck Earth on March 24th.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded a solar storm on April 12, causing "significant disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field." Classified G4, this solar storm proved to be the most significant recorded in six years.
What is the definition of a solar storm?
The Sun is more likely to produce solar storms during periods of intense activity, which produce electromagnetic waves, such as X-rays and radio waves. Solar flares can also produce coronal mass ejections (CME), which are huge clouds of charged particles and magnetic fields sent out into space.
Geomagnetic storms occur when an EMC enters Earth, interacts with our magnetic field, and are responsible for spectacular visual phenomena, such as the Northern and Southern Lights. However, behind the striking spectacle that is offered to those who have the privilege of attending, there are also significant disturbances for the high-tech equipment used on Earth.
Solar storms can wreak havoc on power lines, satellite communications, and navigation systems. Therefore, it is important to monitor and forecast solar activity in order to be able to prepare and protect our infrastructures in the event of a major solar storm.
As the case here illustrates, solar storms aren't always accurate: astronomers refer to the one that just struck Earth as "stealthy," because it broke away very quietly from the sun without making waves, and thus without giving any assurances of its arrival to scientists.
A stunning spectacle with consequences that remain unanswered.
Scientists are still investigating what this solar storm may have had on Earth's technical infrastructures. While waiting to learn more about the topic, it is always possible to enjoy the photos which have recently been recorded in several American states.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to provide further information in the coming weeks on the impacts of this solar storm on terrestrial activities.
