A ‘moderately strong’ geomagnetic storm is currently worsening the Earth, and this could have implications for the Earth’s satellite – dependent technology. Solar storms can be detrimental to satellite-based technology, as they can heat the Earth’s outer atmosphere, causing it to expand and making it more difficult for satellite signals to reach the earth.
In addition, a surge of particles can lead to high currents in the magnetosphere, which can lead to higher than normal electricity in power lines, leading to electrical transformers and power stations, as well as power loss.
Experts described the current storm as a G2 class.
According to Space Weather, this could lead to ‘weak fluctuations in the power networks’ and have a ‘small impact on satellite operations’.
The solar winds hit our planet at 500 kilometers per second, or 1.8 million kilometers per hour.
A small crack has also opened up in the earth’s magnetic shield – a fairly common occurrence, but one that can lead to brighter auras.
Auroras are caused when the magnetosphere is bombarded by solar wind that deflects the particles and causes breathtaking green and blue lights.
Space Weather said: ‘A moderately strong G2-class geomagnetic storm is underway on March 1 as the earth enters a fast-moving solar wind.
“The solar wind flows faster than 500 km / s from a southern hole in the sun’s atmosphere, its effect is amplified by cracks that now open up in the Earth’s magnetic field.
READ MORE: Solar storm forecast: fluctuations in power network are forecast this week
During a maximum of the sun, the sun gives off more heat and is full of sunspots.
Less heat in the minimum of the sun is due to a decrease in magnetic waves moving through deep space.
In the past year, the sun has switched to its maximum solar phase, and may reach its peak next year.
If this does happen, it will release more solar flares which could be bad for the Earth’s technology.
Rami Qahwaji, professor of visual computing at the University of Bradford’s Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, who invented a system NASA uses to analyze sunspots and predict solar flares, says technology could suffer if the sun’s maximum is expected. peak in 2025.
Prof Qahwaji said: “This means that we can see more sunspots in the coming years.
‘In the last few years there have been relatively few sunspots, but as we progress through the cycle, it increases in frequency and complexity.
“The problem is that today we rely so much on technology for things like satellite navigation and communications, and all of these things can be adversely affected by increased solar activity.”