Geomagnetic storms are due to charged particles from the Sun interacting with Earths magnetic fields.
When severe, these events can disrupt electronic equipment such as those used for radio communications.
What is a geomagnetic storm, again?
A Space WeatherPrediction Center image of the CME issuing from the Sun, an irrelevant comet at right.Image: NOAA
I hope youll forgive me for quoting myself here, given the recency of the most recent geomagnetic storm.
There are two different solar events that come into play here: solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
The image above shows the CME occurring on the Sun.
Space is a busy place!
Whats the deal with this storm?
The incoming geomagnetic storm comes from an X-class solar flare which left the Sun around 10 p.m.
ET on Tuesday, October 8. you’re able to keep track of the aurora forecast onthis Space Weather Prediction Center site.
In analert publishedat 11:41 a.m.
ET, the Space Weather Prediction Center stated there was an active warning of a G3 storm.
A G3 event would entail auroras as low as Pennsylvania to Iowa to Oregon, according to the alert.
Higher storm levels could push the visible auroras even farther south.
This slipping causes sunspots, which beget the flares and CMEs on its surface.
The current solar cycleSolar Cycle 25began in 2020.
To be frank, its a little difficult to keep the number of geomagnetic events straight.
That solar flareprompted a flurry of aurorasacross the northern U.S. and other northerly reaches of our planet.
But there were also severe geomagnetic stormsin Augustandin May.
What did experts have to say?
We just dont know if weve reached the peak yet.
Dahl added that if not now, the peak could be later this year or sometime through 2026.
For now, batten down your electrical hatches and keep an eye on the skies!
News from the future, delivered to your present.
A Double Sunblast Could Mean Auroras Over the U.S.
