The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning for a significant geomagnetic solar storm expected to impact Earth from September 12 to 14, 2024. The storm is classified as G3 or greater on the NOAA space weather scale, indicating moderate to strong effects.
A geomagnetic storm occurs when solar activity disturbs the Earth’s magnetic field. These storms are driven by solar wind, a stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun. When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can cause various effects, including beautiful auroras and disruptions in power and communication systems.
The primary areas affected will be regions located above 50 degrees geomagnetic latitude, which includes parts of Canada, Alaska, and northern Europe. However, the effects could reach further south depending on the storm’s intensity.
NOAA has detected high solar activity over the past 24 hours, including a major X1.3 solar flare accompanied by multiple radio bursts. There is a slight chance of another strong flare (X-class) from September 12 to 14. The flux of high-energy electrons remains at moderate levels, while the proton flux is trending towards normal.
Two Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), from September 8 and 10, have reached Earth, causing an initial shock and increasing solar wind speed. Elevated solar wind conditions are expected to continue through September 13, with an additional enhancement likely around September 14 due to another CME from September 11.
Geomagnetic storms can impact various sectors, including aviation, navigation, satellite operations, and power systems. To stay prepared:
* Stay tuned to Earth.com and the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center for real-time updates and alerts on ongoing space weather conditions.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-warning-strong-solar-storm-headed-to-earth-auroras-expected-sept-2024/