Solar Storm Watch: Earth Hit by Biggest Blast in Nearly 20 Years
Astronomers Issue Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch
A dramatic blast from the sun set off a geomagnetic storm in Earth's atmosphere on Friday, May 10, 2024, and it is expected to intensify in the coming days. The solar flare, which was captured by NOAA's GOES-16 satellite, has triggered the first severe geomagnetic storm watch in nearly 20 years.
Biggest Solar Storm in Decades
The solar storm is the biggest to hit Earth since 2005 and is being classified as a G5 geomagnetic storm, the highest level on the scale. According to predictions from the World Data Center for the Sunspot Index and Long-term Solar Observations (SILSO) at the Royal Observatory of Belgium, the storm is expected to reach its peak on Saturday, May 11.
Solar storms are caused by eruptions on the sun's surface that release vast amounts of energy and charged particles. These particles can disrupt Earth's magnetic field, causing geomagnetic storms that can have a range of effects, including power outages, radio blackouts, and even damage to satellites and other electronic infrastructure.
The current storm is expected to cause widespread disruptions to power grids, telecommunications, and navigation systems. It could also pose risks for crewed space missions and astronauts on the International Space Station.
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