NOAA: “Severe” solar storm expected to impact Earth tomorrow
By Eric Ralls,
9 hours ago
Update -- October 9, 2024, 4:14 PM Eastern Time
A powerful solar storm is racing towards our planet, expected to hit Earth tomorrow, and a radiant comet is making an unforgettable appearance near our Sun. Lets dive into the details and figure out what this intriguing cosmic activity means for us.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) -- a division of the National Weather Service -- is monitoring the sun following a strong X-class solar flare and resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) that began on October 8, 2024.
Space weather forecasters have issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Thursday, October 10 into Friday, October 11, 2024. Geomagnetic storm conditions are likely to subside by Saturday, October 12.
CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. They cause geomagnetic storms when they are directed at Earth.
Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth’s surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations. SWPC has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action.
Geomagnetic storms can also trigger spectacular displays of aurora on Earth. A severe geomagnetic storm includes the potential for aurora to be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBh5-uB77ns to view today's recorded Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) webinar media briefing. This is a recording of the live briefing and the follow-up questions and answers.
G4 "Severe" solar storm watch
According to scientists at the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center ( SWPC ) reveal that, on October 8, 2024, the Sun's surface witnessed a significant and fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) .
A CME resembles an expansive bubble of gas filled with magnetic field lines, expelled from the Sun. This bubble, when it reaches us, could interact with Earth's magnetic field, possibly causing a geomagnetic storm.
Geomagnetic solar storms: The basics
Geomagnetic storms are disturbances in Earth's magnetic atmosphere caused by solar wind and CMEs. They range from G1 (Minor) to G5 (Extreme) on a classification scale .
The imminent CME has the power to initiate a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm upon landing.
What's noteworthy is the potential impact of a G4 storm on our lives.
Voltage irregularities may occur in power systems, protective equipment might involuntarily shutdown key assets.
Satellite navigation and radio communications might suffer, particularly in higher latitudes.
Pipelines could fall prey to induced currents.
Solar radiation activity
As we brace for the geomagnetic storm, a strong solar radiation storm, classified as S3, began on -- you guessed it -- October 9th.
These kinds of storms happen when the Sun ejects a significant burst of energetic particles, primarily protons, hurtling towards Earth.
The ramification of an S3 radiation storm can include satellite operations being impacted and increased radiation levels for passengers and crew on high-altitude, polar flights.
Airlines sometimes reroute flights to lower altitudes or more southerly routes to lessen exposure.
Dazzling comet joins the solar circus
Adding an element of spectacle to this celestial drama, Comet C/2023 A3 , also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is making its grand appearance.
This spectacle became visible to NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory ( SOH O ) on October 7, 2024 and will stay on our radars until around October 11, 2024.
Interestingly, the comet's debut coincides with an X-class solar flare -- an X2.1 flare, to be precise -- and a couple of CMEs.
You might imagine that the comet prompted these solar happenings, but it's simply cosmic choreography.
With a G4 storm, auroras might light up skies much further south than usual, maybe as far as Alabama and northern California.
If you're yearning for this natural light spectacle, it's best to find a dark spot free from city lights on the nights of October 10th and 11th.
Keep tabs on local aurora forecasts and remember, the most splendid displays often occur in the late evening to early morning hours.
Staying ahead of the cosmic curve
While these space weather events are enthralling, they can also have tangible impacts.
Power companies, airlines, and satellite operators are keeping a vigilant eye on the situation to mitigate any potential disruptions.
How can you join in?
Stay tuned to updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).
They offer real-time updates and forecasts about space weather events that might influence your day-to-day life.
Solar storms, comets, and skywatching
Our Sun is showing us once again that it's an active and occasionally unpredictable acquaintance.
Whether you're a casual skywatcher or just intrigued by how these events might influence your life, it's a splendid time to gaze upwards and appreciate the wonders of our cosmic neighborhood.
So, snuggle into a warm jacket, locate a cozy spot under the night sky, and maybe you'll be lucky enough to glimpse the auroras dancing above.
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