What Happens When the Sun Erupts? A Look at Solar Storms and the Aurora Lights
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Sun
suddenly erupted and sent a massive blast of plasma and magnetic fields towards
the Earth? You do not have to wonder anymore because that is precisely what
happened recently when a solar eruption, also known as a coronal mass ejection
(CME), occurred on the Sun's surface. And guess what? It is heading our way.
This is not a drill, folks. This natural and rare phenomenon could have
fantastic, surprising effects on our planet and our lives.
This blog will tell you everything you need to know
about this solar storm - what it means, why it is essential, and how you can
watch it. We will also explain how a solar storm can impact different systems
and animals and the benefits and challenges of witnessing this cosmic
spectacle. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride because this is a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the beauty and power of the solar
connection. Trust me, you want to take advantage of this.
Understanding
Geomagnetic Storms
Before we get into the details of the current solar
storm, let us first understand what a geomagnetic storm is and how it is
measured. A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance of the Earth's magnetosphere,
the region of space around the Earth that is influenced by the Earth's magnetic
field. The magnetosphere protects us from the harmful radiation and particles
from the Sun and other sources in space.
However, sometimes, the magnetosphere can be
disturbed by external factors such as a coronal mass ejection, which is a
large-scale explosion of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun's corona, the
outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere. It can travel from 250 to 2,500 km per
second and reach the Earth in 1 to 5 days. When a CME interacts with the
Earth's magnetic field, it can cause a geomagnetic storm, measured by the
planetary K index.
The levels of geomagnetic storm severity are
classified as G1 minor, G2 moderate, G3 strong, G4 severe, and G5 extreme. Each
level has different effects on different systems and animals, which we will
discuss later. However, let us focus on the current geomagnetic storm watch
issued by the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, which is the official
source of space weather alerts and forecasts.
According to NOAA, the CME that occurred on
September 15th, 2023, has the potential of reaching a G2 moderate level. This
means there is a possibility of seeing Aurora lights or Northern Lights in some
parts of the US and other regions.
Witnessing
the Aurora Lights
The Aurora lights are caused by the interaction of
charged particles from the Sun with the Earth's atmosphere, creating colourful
displays of light in the sky. The Aurora lights are usually seen near the poles
where the Earth's magnetic field is the strongest, but sometimes they can be
seen at lower latitudes depending on the strength of the geomagnetic storm.
According to NOAA, the Aurora lights might be
visible in some parts of the US, such as Alaska, Montana, North Dakota,
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, and New Hampshire. However, the
visibility of the Aurora lights also depends on other factors such as the
weather, the location, and the time of the night. So, if you are lucky enough
to be in one of these areas, keep an eye on the sky and hope for a clear and
dark night.
Impacts of
Geomagnetic Storms
Now that we know what a geomagnetic storm is and
how it can create Aurora lights let us discuss what else it can do. A
geomagnetic storm can impact different systems and animals, some positively and
some negatively.
First is communication. A geomagnetic storm can
affect communication systems by causing radio blackouts, interference, and
distortion. This can affect radio signals such as AM, FM, shortwave, ham radio,
and television and telephone signals.
Second navigation. It can affect navigation systems
by causing errors in GPS signals, compass readings, and flight paths. This can
affect the accuracy and reliability of navigation devices such as smartphones,
cars, planes, and ships.
Third, power grids. A geomagnetic storm can affect
power grids by inducing currents in transmission lines, transformers, and
generators, which can cause voltage fluctuations, power outages, and damage.
Fourth, satellites. Exposing satellites to
radiation, charging, and drag can degrade their performance, damage their
components, and alter their orbits.
Finally, wildlife. A geomagnetic storm can affect
wildlife by disrupting their biological clocks, migration patterns, and
magnetic senses, affecting their behaviour, orientation, and survival.
Watching the
Aurora Lights
After learning about the impacts of a geomagnetic
storm, you might wonder how to watch the Aurora lights and where to find the
best viewing locations. Well, don't worry. We have some tips to help you enjoy
this unique phenomenon.
Here are some things you need to know and do if you
want to watch the Aurora lights:
- Find
a place that has a dark, clear, and open sky away from city lights and
pollution. The darker and more transparent the sky, the better the chances
of seeing the Aurora lights. The open sky will also allow you to see more
of the horizon and the sky where the Aurora lights usually appear.
- Use
online tools that will help you find the best viewing locations and the
best time and date to watch the Aurora lights. Some online tools you can
use are Aurora forecast, Aurora service, and Aurora alerts, which provide
real-time maps, alerts, and predictions of Aurora activity. These tools
will also tell you the level of a geomagnetic storm, the K index, and the
Aurora oval, which are the indicators of the intensity and location of the
Aurora lights.
- Dress
warmly and bring a camera. The Aurora lights usually occur at night when
the temperature is low, so wear warm clothes and layers to keep yourself
comfortable and cosy. You also need to bring a camera, preferably a DSLR
or a smartphone with a good camera, to capture the beauty and colours of
the Aurora lights. Consider bringing a tripod, a remote shutter, and a
wide-angle lens to get the best shots and avoid camera shaking.
So, there you have it, folks. Everything you need
to know about the solar storm, the geomagnetic storm, and the Aurora lights:
this is a rare and exciting opportunity to witness the beauty and power of the
solar connection, and we hope you do not miss it.
I hope you enjoyed this blog and learned something new and exciting. If you did, please give us a like and subscribe to our channel for more content like this. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below, and we will try to answer them.