News Update: Sun - Discover the upcoming solar storms, aurora spectacle, and the science behind geomagnetic storms. Stay informed and enjoy the celestial show!
 |
| Illustration of a solar flare creating a G3 geomagnetic storm, potentially visible over the Nord Hemisphere. Image source: NASA / Goddard Space Flight Center |
What Will Happened?
The rare "halo CME" is expected to hit Earth, with space weather forecasters suggesting a potential G3+ geomagnetic storm. Dr. Ryan French, a solar physicist at the National Solar Observatory (flares), notes that this could lead to aurora sightings as far south as Oregon, Wyoming, and Illinois.
Competing Models
While NASA's model predicts a G3 storm, the NOAA model suggests a slightly lower G2 storm. The conflicting predictions add an element of uncertainty to the expected intensity of the geomagnetic storm.
Timing and Best Viewing Opportunities
According to the NASA model, Earth will likely be struck by a CME on Friday, December 1, around midday Universal Time. SpaceWeather.com, however, suggests the possibility of it arriving on Thursday, making Thursday and Friday nights optimal for aurora sightings.
Effects of Solar Flare and Aurora Prediction
A CME takes a few days to travel from the sun to Earth, resulting in a geomagnetic storm. The intensity of aurora displays is challenging to predict, but a severe geomagnetic storm is expected this week, potentially reaching G3 and G4-class storms.
How To See The Northern Lights?
As sightings of aurora become more frequent due to the sun approaching the "solar maximum" phase, observers in regions south of the Arctic Circle are encouraged to look for the faint glow on the northern horizon. Planning a trip to the Arctic Circle in the next two to three years is recommended for the best chances of witnessing more frequent and brighter displays.
Stay tuned for updates on this rare celestial event, and be prepared for a dazzling show of the northern lights in the coming nights!
Do You Know What Is a Solar Flare?
A solar flare is a sudden, intense burst of energy and radiation from the Sun's surface. It occurs when the magnetic energy stored in the Sun's atmosphere is released. This powerful release of energy can cause an increase in brightness across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays.
Solar flares are classified into different categories based on their strength. The classification includes C, M, and X, with each class having a scale from 1 to 9. The higher the number, the more intense the flare. X-class flares are the most powerful.
These solar flares can impact space weather, affecting communication systems, navigation equipment, and even power grids on Earth. Additionally, they contribute to the mesmerizing displays of the auroras when the charged particles from the Sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field.
Notable Solar Flare: The Carrington Event (1859)
One of the most notable solar flares in the modern era is the Carrington Event, which occurred in 1859. Named after the British astronomer Richard Carrington, this massive solar storm caused widespread disruption to telegraph systems. If a similar event were to happen today, it could potentially have severe impacts on our modern electricity and communication systems.
Studying solar flares is crucial for understanding the Sun's behavior and its influence on our space environment. Researchers and space agencies closely monitor solar activity to predict and mitigate potential impacts on our technology-dependent world.
Do You Know How Geomagnetic Storms Are Classified by NOAA?
The different levels of geomagnetic storms are categorized by the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Space Weather Prediction Center using the G-scale. Here are the different levels:
G1 (Mgoog_1084413101inor) Geomagnetic Storm
- Minor impact on satellite operations.
- Possible voltage corrections in power systems.
- Auroras may be visible at higher latitudes, such as Canada and northern Europe.
G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm
- High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
- Satellite operations might be affected.
- Auroras may be visible at mid-latitudes, including parts of the northern United States.
G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm
- Voltage corrections may be required in power systems.
- Drag may affect low Earth orbit satellites.
- Auroras can potentially be visible at even lower latitudes, such as Oregon, Wyoming, and Illinois in the United States.
G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm
- Voltage corrections are likely in power systems.
- Satellite operations may be significantly affected.
- Auroras can be visible at even lower latitudes, such as Alabama and northern California in the United States.