Two massive “sun spots” or coronal holes on the Sun could lead to geomagnetic storms, potentially triggering polar lights in early February. NOAA is closely monitoring these features for Earth-based impacts, with possible G1 geomagnetic storm levels. The larger hole in the Northern Hemisphere and a smaller one in the Southern Hemisphere are both linked to enhanced solar wind conditions. Recent satellite images show these dark areas on the Sun’s surface, which can produce high-speed streams that affect Earth’s space weather. If triggered, such storms could bring increased solar winds, potentially causing polar lights along the northern tier and Upper Midwest.
A coronal hole is a region of cooler plasma on the Sun’s surface, unlike coronal mass ejections, which travel faster but take longer to reach Earth. These holes can cause delays in space weather impacts due to their slower travel speed. The high-speed streams from these holes, known as CH HSS (coronal hole high-speed streams), can produce powerful solar winds that affect Earth’s atmosphere. When a coronal hole is directly facing Earth, it generates increased solar wind that travels radially outward. NOAA’s Service Coordination Team, led by Shawn Dahl, mentioned that the Northern Hemisphere hole is more likely to influence early February conditions.
The SWPC rates space weather on a five-level scale, with G1 being moderate but still significant for geomagnetic storms. If such conditions occur, Earth could experience enhanced polar lights as sunlight interacts with charged particles in the upper atmosphere. The Sun’s rotation means there’s a chance these effects could repeat within 27 days, potentially causing multiple geomagnetic storms if triggered again.
Source: https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/giant-hole-sun-coronal-hole-solar-storms