Extreme Solar Storm Hits Earth

May 11, 2024

On May 11, 2024, Earth experienced its most significant solar storm in over two decades. The storm, triggered by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, stirred a global buzz due to its potent impact on communication networks, satellite functions, and power grids. It was also visible in the form of dazzling auroras spanning from Tasmania to Britain.

What are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)?

Coronal mass ejections are massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the solar corona or being released into space. These ejections are significant because they carry billions of tons of plasma, which is entwined with magnetic fields. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the expelled CMEs traveled towards Earth at approximately 800 kilometers per second. This is in contrast with solar flares, which travel at the speed of light to reach Earth in around eight minutes.

The “Extreme” Geomagnetic Storm

This recent solar event was classified as an “extreme” geomagnetic storm, the severity of which had not been seen since the Halloween Storms of October 2003. Geomagnetic storms are disturbances in Earth’s magnetosphere caused by changes in solar wind. The most vivid visual effect of this is the aurora, also known as northern or southern lights, which enthralled onlookers around the world.

Impact on Technologies and Essential Services

During this geomagnetic event, Earth’s magnetic field experienced fluctuations, potentially endangering satellite operations that rely on the stability of Earth’s magnetic environment. Such disturbances also pose risks to power transmission infrastructure, with possible consequences including blackouts and electrical hazards. NOAA promptly alerted relevant bodies to brace for potential disruptions, emphasizing preparedness for communication and power supply contingencies.

Biological and Cumulative Effects

Apart from technological disruptions, geomagnetic storms can affect biological entities that use Earth’s magnetic field for navigation, such as pigeons. There are anecdotal reports of disruptions in pigeons’ homing abilities during similar past events, indicating a broader ecological impact.

Scientific and Public Engagement

Professionals and enthusiasts alike have taken this celestial phenomenon as an opportunity to engage with space weather more closely. Academic entities and space weather monitoring bodies provided guidance on observing these occurrences safely, like using eclipse glasses to view the sunspot clusters responsible for the CMEs.

Auroras Captured in India

The Indian Astronomical Observatory, located in Hanle and Merak, Ladakh, equipped with all-sky Cameras, successfully documented this rare auroral occurrence in the region. Notable observations included the intense red auroras, indicative of energetic particles at higher altitudes, and rarer blue and violet bands, suggesting lower atmospheric interactions. The peak of this auroral activity was recorded around 2 AM on the night of May 10-11.

GKToday Notes: The Carrington Event

This recent storm, while severe, pales in comparison to the historical Carrington Event of 1859. Carrington Event refers to the most intense geomagnetic storm on record, which occurred in September 1859. Discovered by British astronomer Richard Carrington, the storm was triggered by a massive solar flare that emitted a coronal mass ejection, reaching Earth within 18 hours—a typically 3-day travel time.
It caused widespread telegraph system failures, shocking operators and igniting telegraph paper. The event produced brilliant auroras, visible even closer to the equator than usual. Today, a similar event could significantly disrupt modern satellite, communications, and electrical systems on a global scale, highlighting the need for advanced forewarning systems and resilient infrastructure.

GKToday Notes: Geomagnetic Storm

A geomagnetic storm is a temporary disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere caused by a solar wind shock wave and/or cloud of magnetic field that interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field. The increased pressure from the solar wind transfers energy into the magnetosphere, accelerating charged particles and causing variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. This can lead to disruptions in satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids, alongside producing spectacular auroras near the poles. Geomagnetic storms are rated on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme), reflecting their potential impact on technological systems and space weather.

GKToday Notes: Aurora

Aurora refers to natural light displays primarily seen in the polar regions’ night skies, known as Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). These occurrences happen when the Earth’s magnetosphere is disrupted by solar wind — streams of charged particles emanating from the Sun. These charged particles collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, exciting them to higher energy states. Upon returning to their normal states, they emit light of various colors, depending on the type of gas involved — primarily oxygen and nitrogen. Auroras often appear as swirling patterns of green, red, blue, and violet, particularly vibrant near the magnetic poles.

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