CMEs are generally faster than theAlfven speed, or the speed of magnetic field lines through plasma.
The teams analysis of the surprising solar event waspublishedlast week inGeophysical Research Letters.
The team noted that Alfven wing aurorae could occur on Earth, and could be observed in future studies.
An artist’s concept of a massive solar burst, with Earth for scale.Illustration: NASA/GSFC/SDO
CMEs should not be confused with solar flares, the brilliant events that can causegeomagnetic storms on Earth.
More observations could reveal how the Suns powerful outbursts affects other heavenly bodies in our cosmic neighborhood.
But as far as Earths magnetic field is concerned, everything is back to normal…for now!
News from the future, delivered to your present.
A Double Sunblast Could Mean Auroras Over the U.S.
