EMERGENCY ALERT: Solar Storm Double Whammy Hits Earth
Shocking Solar Storm, Earth finds itself under the imminent threat of a double impact from solar flares, as two powerful streams of energized particles unleashed by the Sun over the weekend are set to reach our planet. The first impact is expected this afternoon, followed by the second on Wednesday, with a 60% chance of causing radio blackouts, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
A plume of solar plasma, ejected from the Sun on Sunday due to a magnetic filament eruption, is racing towards Earth. Predicted to collide with our planet around 1 p.m. ET, models from both NASA and NOAA suggest the potential for geomagnetic storms as intense as G2-class or even G3-class. These storms may induce disruptions in GPS systems, and satellite operations, and result in auroras visible further south than usual.
Renowned space weather physicist Tamitha Skov expressed, “Direct Hit an impressive solar storm launch in the Earth-strike zone. there is a chance for Aurora by midday on Jan 22. We could see a G2-G3 with this one if the magnetic field of the storm is emarged correctly. Amateur radio and GPS users, expect disruptions on Earth’s nightside.”
Coronal mass ejections [CMEs] emerge by magnetic activity on the surface of the sun. Propel vast volumes of solar plasma towards Earth. These disturbances, depending on their strength, can lead to geomagnetic storms ranging from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). The upcoming solar storm is expected to be a G2 event, with a chance of G3, potentially causing various impacts on Earth.
Huw Morgan, head of the Solar Physics group at Aberystwyth University, highlighted the potential technological disruptions: “Whilst these storms cannot harm us or nature directly, they are disruptive and potentially very damaging to technology.” Electric-powered currents triggered in the earth’s crust may additionally cause energy grid surges, verbal exchange disruptions, and GPS navigation issues. Additionally, satellites in orbit and astronauts could be at risk.
The two active sunspots, labeled as 3559 and 3555, released CMEs just one day apart, presenting a significant concern for Earth’s technological infrastructure. Physicist Tamitha Skov warned that amateur radio and GPS users should brace for disruptions on Earth’s nightside, emphasizing the potential impact on aviation communication, ham radios, and satellites in orbit.
The SWPC has issued an official warning about the impending geomagnetic storm, categorized as a G2 event on their scale. While the general public is assured not to be overly concerned, the potential impacts include voltage corrections, false alarms triggering devices, and potential interference with satellites and spacecraft operations.
As Earth braces for this celestial event, the anticipation of mesmerizing auroras as far south as northern Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine adds an intriguing element to the unfolding cosmic drama.