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<p>NASA detected two explosions on the&nbsp;sun's&nbsp;surface on Friday (May 10) and Saturday (May 11),&nbsp;which resulted&nbsp;in intense solar flares.&nbsp;The solar explosions that sent electromagnetic radiation rippling toward Earth were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Sun emitted two strong solar flares on May 10-11, 2024, peaking at 9:23 p.m. EDT on May&nbsp;10,&nbsp;and 7:44 a.m. EDT on May 11. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the events, which&nbsp;were classified&nbsp;as X5.8 and X1.5-class flares," NASA said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What ensued from these&nbsp;strong&nbsp;solar flares was a celestial extravaganza. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)&nbsp;issued an alarm&nbsp;as the first of multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) approached our planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gigantic-sunspot-wide-enough-to-fill-15-worlds-hits-earth-with-powerful-x-class-solar-flare-720050">Gigantic sunspot, wide enough to fill 15 worlds, hits Earth with powerful X-class solar flare</a></strong></p>

<p>This cosmic spectacle played out for skywatchers&nbsp;all across the world, with beautiful auroras painting the skies in brilliant pink, green, and purple hues. Sky-gazers in northern Europe and Tasmania, Australia, were able to observe this unusual phenomenon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although fascinating, solar storms may be dangerous for technology infrastructure. Geomagnetic storms may cause fluctuations in magnetic fields, disrupting power grids, communication networks, and satellite operations.</p>

<h2><strong>The science behind solar flares: Understanding the phenomenon</strong></h2>

<p>According to the European Space Agency (ESA), a solar flare is a massive explosion on the&nbsp;Sun&nbsp;that occurs when energy trapped in 'twisted' magnetic fields (often above sunspots) is abruptly released. In a short period of time, they may heat the material to temperatures in the millions, causing a sudden release of radiation ranging from radio waves to X-rays and gamma rays.</p>

<p>Solar flares&nbsp;are classified&nbsp;by scientists based on their peak brightness at X-ray wavelengths.&nbsp;There are five&nbsp;categories,&nbsp;listed here in order from most intense to least intense&nbsp;are as follows - X-class&nbsp;flares, M-class flares, C-class flares, B-class flares, and A-class flares.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA detected two explosions on the sun's surface on Friday (May 10) and Saturday (May 11), which resulted in intense solar flares. The solar explosions that sent electromagnetic radiation rippling toward Earth were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.

NASA detected two explosions on the sun's surface on Friday (May 10) and Saturday (May 11), which resulted in intense solar flares. The solar explosions that sent electromagnetic radiation rippling toward Earth were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. "The Sun emitted two strong solar flares on May 10-11, 2024, peaking at 9:23 p.m. EDT on May 10, and 7:44 a.m. EDT on May 11. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the events, which were classified as X5.8 and X1.5-class flares," NASA said in a statement. What ensued from these strong solar flares was a celestial extravaganza. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an alarm as the first of multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) approached our planet. Also read: Gigantic sunspot, wide enough to fill 15 worlds, hits Earth with powerful X-class solar flare This cosmic spectacle played out for skywatchers all across the world, with beautiful auroras painting the skies in brilliant pink, green, and purple hues. Sky-gazers in northern Europe and Tasmania, Australia, were able to observe this unusual phenomenon. Although fascinating, solar storms may be dangerous for technology infrastructure. Geomagnetic storms may cause fluctuations in magnetic fields, disrupting power grids, communication networks, and satellite operations. The science behind solar flares: Understanding the phenomenon According to the European Space Agency (ESA), a solar flare is a massive explosion on the Sun that occurs when energy trapped in 'twisted' magnetic fields (often above sunspots) is abruptly released. In a short period of time, they may heat the material to temperatures in the millions, causing a sudden release of radiation ranging from radio waves to X-rays and gamma rays. Solar flares are classified by scientists based on their peak brightness at X-ray wavelengths. There are five categories, listed here in order from most intense to least intense are as follows - X-class flares, M-class flares, C-class flares, B-class flares, and A-class flares. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA releases stunning images of solar explosions that triggered solar flares

The Aurora Borealis also known as the northern lights were captured with a time-lapse in Russia lighting up the sky with streaks of purple. The Aurora lights' increased visibility results from extreme geomagnetic storms. Watch to know more!

Northern lights: 'Magical' impact of Solar storm

<p>Starlink, the satellite arm of Elon Musk's SpaceX, warned on Saturday of a "degraded service" as the Earth is battered by the biggest geomagnetic storm due to solar activity in two decades.</p>

<p>Starlink owns around 60 per cent&nbsp;of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth and is a dominant player in satellite internet.</p>

<p>Musk said earlier in a post on X that Starlink satellites were under a lot of pressure due to the geomagnetic storm, but were holding up so far.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-claims-aliens-have-never-visited-earth-and-heres-the-proof-719996">Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk cites simple proof to assert his belief that aliens don't exist</a></p>

<p>The US&nbsp;National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has said the storm is the biggest since October 2003 and likely to persist over the weekend, posing risks to navigation systems, power grids, and satellite navigation, among other services.</p>

<p>The thousands of Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit use inter-satellite laser links to pass data between one another in space at the speed of light, allowing the network to offer internet coverage around the world.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implant malfunctioned weeks post-operation</strong></p>

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Starlink, the satellite arm of Elon Musk's SpaceX, warned on Saturday of a "degraded service" as the Earth is battered by the biggest geomagnetic storm due to solar activity in two decades.

Starlink, the satellite arm of Elon Musk's SpaceX, warned on Saturday of a "degraded service" as the Earth is battered by the biggest geomagnetic storm due to solar activity in two decades. Starlink owns around 60 per cent of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth and is a dominant player in satellite internet. Musk said earlier in a post on X that Starlink satellites were under a lot of pressure due to the geomagnetic storm, but were holding up so far. Also read | Elon Musk cites simple proof to assert his belief that aliens don't exist The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has said the storm is the biggest since October 2003 and likely to persist over the weekend, posing risks to navigation systems, power grids, and satellite navigation, among other services. The thousands of Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit use inter-satellite laser links to pass data between one another in space at the speed of light, allowing the network to offer internet coverage around the world. Also watch | Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implant malfunctioned weeks post-operation

Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites disrupted by major solar storm

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<p>The&nbsp;National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States (US) government said on Friday (May 10) that the Earth&nbsp;was hit&nbsp;by the strongest solar storm since 2003.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"EXTREME (G5) conditions reached Earth at 6:54 pm EDT. Geomagnetic storming is likely to persist through the weekend as several additional Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejection (CMEs) are in transit,"&nbsp;the&nbsp;NOAA's&nbsp;Space Weather Prediction Center said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The impact</strong></h2>

<p>The centre said&nbsp;that the&nbsp;storming might impact GPS, power grids, satellite navigation, and other technologies. The centre pointed out that&nbsp;critical infrastructure operators had been notified.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! <a href="https://t.co/qLsC8GbWus">pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus</a></p>
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSSWPC/status/1789078823591460989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The last extreme (G5) event occurred with the Halloween storms in October 2003. That event resulted in power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa."</p>

<p>The storm could produce northern lights as far&nbsp;as Alabama and Northern California in southern&nbsp;US, according to the NOAA.</p>

<h2><strong>What is a solar storm?</strong></h2>

<p>The NOAA stated&nbsp;that solar radiation storms occur when a large-scale magnetic eruption, often causing a coronal mass ejection and associated solar flare, accelerates charged particles in the solar atmosphere to very high velocities.</p>

<p>"The most important particles are protons&nbsp;which&nbsp;can get accelerated to large fractions of the speed of light. At these velocities, the protons can traverse the 150 million km from the sun to Earth in just&nbsp;10’s&nbsp;of&nbsp;minutes or less,"&nbsp;it added.</p>

<p>The agency also pointed out that&nbsp;even when the storm is over,&nbsp;signals between GPS satellites and ground receivers could be scrambled or lost.&nbsp;</p>


The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States (US) government said on Friday (May 10) that the Earth was hit by the strongest solar storm since 2003.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States (US) government said on Friday (May 10) that the Earth was hit by the strongest solar storm since 2003. "EXTREME (G5) conditions reached Earth at 6:54 pm EDT. Geomagnetic storming is likely to persist through the weekend as several additional Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejection (CMEs) are in transit," the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said in a post on X. The impact The centre said that the storming might impact GPS, power grids, satellite navigation, and other technologies. The centre pointed out that critical infrastructure operators had been notified. Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024 × "The last extreme (G5) event occurred with the Halloween storms in October 2003. That event resulted in power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa." The storm could produce northern lights as far as Alabama and Northern California in southern US, according to the NOAA. What is a solar storm? The NOAA stated that solar radiation storms occur when a large-scale magnetic eruption, often causing a coronal mass ejection and associated solar flare, accelerates charged particles in the solar atmosphere to very high velocities. "The most important particles are protons which can get accelerated to large fractions of the speed of light. At these velocities, the protons can traverse the 150 million km from the sun to Earth in just 10’s of minutes or less," it added. The agency also pointed out that even when the storm is over, signals between GPS satellites and ground receivers could be scrambled or lost.

Earth hit by strongest solar storm since 2003; GPS, power grids may be impacted: US agency

Huge solar storm brings Northern lights captures with a time-lapse in Russia

A spectacular auroras could be spotted over Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Slovenia, Britain and other parts of Europe as most powerful solar storm in more than two decades struck Earth on Friday.

Huge solar storm brings Northern lights

'Absolutely Biblical': Stunning auroras paint the skies as 'extreme' solar storm hits Earth

<p>The Carrington Event of 1859 was a powerful geomagnetic storm that occurred on September 1-2, 1859. During that event, a major solar flare was observed just before the storm. The&nbsp;event is also sometimes called the Solar Superstorm of 1859 or the Carrington Flare.</p>

<p>The solar flare observed by Carrington emitted a huge amount of energy. This sent a massive burst of charged particles towards Earth. When these particles interacted with the Earth's magnetosphere, they caused a severe geomagnetic storm.</p>

<p>Now, a study coordinated by the University of Helsinki has unveiled a discovery hidden within Lapland's trees. This discovery has indicated clues about one of the largest solar storms to hit Earth 165 years ago - the same&nbsp;Carrington Event of 1859.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;study was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. As part of the study, researchers detected a surge in radiocarbon concentration within tree rings in the aftermath of the 1859 event</p>

<p>The findings have provided crucial information for preparing for such future solar storms.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-rare-devils-comet-is-now-visible-in-the-night-sky-heres-how-to-watch-it-in-india-708094">Rare Devil's Comet is now visible in the night sky. Here's how to watch it in India</a></p>

<p>By analysing tree rings in Lapland, researchers from the University of Helsinki, Natural Resources Institute Finland, and the University of Oulu identified a rise in radiocarbon levels linked to the Carrington storm. This finding unveiled a vital clue about solar activity and its impact on Earth's atmosphere.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/volcanoes-fault-zone-filled-lake-baikal-gearing-up-for-earthquake-study-hints-so-708053">Lake Baikal, filled with volcanoes and fault zone, is reportedly staring at an earthquake</a></p>

<p>Director of the University of Helsinki's Laboratory of Chronology, Markku Oinonen, who led the study reportedly said,&nbsp;"Radiocarbon is like a cosmic marker describing phenomena associated with Earth, the solar system, and outer space."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The method involved extracting samples from tree rings, converting them into pure carbon, and measuring radiocarbon levels using a particle accelerator. This innovative approach offered a unique perspective on historical solar events and their repercussions.</p>

<p>Mapping solar storms and understanding their frequency is crucial for modern society's preparedness.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-change-alters-feeding-habits-of-arctic-reindeer-708087">Climate change alters feeding habits of Arctic Reindeer</a></strong></p>

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<p>While smaller storms are routinely monitored with advanced technology, medium-sized events like the Carrington storm present a challenge due to their rarity.</p>

<p>Postdoctoral Researcher Kseniia Golubenko from the University of Oulu reportedly said,&nbsp;"The dynamic atmospheric carbon transport model was specifically developed for describing geographical differences in the distribution of radiocarbon in the atmosphere."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Carrington Event of 1859 was a powerful geomagnetic storm that occurred on September 1-2, 1859. During that event, a major solar flare was observed just before the storm.

The Carrington Event of 1859 was a powerful geomagnetic storm that occurred on September 1-2, 1859. During that event, a major solar flare was observed just before the storm. The event is also sometimes called the Solar Superstorm of 1859 or the Carrington Flare. The solar flare observed by Carrington emitted a huge amount of energy. This sent a massive burst of charged particles towards Earth. When these particles interacted with the Earth's magnetosphere, they caused a severe geomagnetic storm. Now, a study coordinated by the University of Helsinki has unveiled a discovery hidden within Lapland's trees. This discovery has indicated clues about one of the largest solar storms to hit Earth 165 years ago - the same Carrington Event of 1859. The study was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. As part of the study, researchers detected a surge in radiocarbon concentration within tree rings in the aftermath of the 1859 event The findings have provided crucial information for preparing for such future solar storms. Also Read | Rare Devil's Comet is now visible in the night sky. Here's how to watch it in India By analysing tree rings in Lapland, researchers from the University of Helsinki, Natural Resources Institute Finland, and the University of Oulu identified a rise in radiocarbon levels linked to the Carrington storm. This finding unveiled a vital clue about solar activity and its impact on Earth's atmosphere. Also Read | Lake Baikal, filled with volcanoes and fault zone, is reportedly staring at an earthquake Director of the University of Helsinki's Laboratory of Chronology, Markku Oinonen, who led the study reportedly said, "Radiocarbon is like a cosmic marker describing phenomena associated with Earth, the solar system, and outer space." The method involved extracting samples from tree rings, converting them into pure carbon, and measuring radiocarbon levels using a particle accelerator. This innovative approach offered a unique perspective on historical solar events and their repercussions. Mapping solar storms and understanding their frequency is crucial for modern society's preparedness. Watch | Climate change alters feeding habits of Arctic Reindeer × While smaller storms are routinely monitored with advanced technology, medium-sized events like the Carrington storm present a challenge due to their rarity. Postdoctoral Researcher Kseniia Golubenko from the University of Oulu reportedly said, "The dynamic atmospheric carbon transport model was specifically developed for describing geographical differences in the distribution of radiocarbon in the atmosphere." (With inputs from agencies)

Trees to reveal clues of largest solar storm to have hit Earth

<p>The strongest geomagnetic storm in at least five years slammed the Earth and filled the sky with green and purple hues of aurora.</p>

<p>The solar storm was also reported to have caused "a major disturbance in Earth's magnetic field" which is likely to have impacted infrastructure and caused the northern lights to become visible to the human eye, said officials.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="no">Level 4 Solar Storm <a href="https://t.co/wFDvxeCpnv">pic.twitter.com/wFDvxeCpnv</a></p>
— SpaceWeatherNews (@SunWeatherMan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunWeatherMan/status/1772006222264463375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Centre on Saturday (Mar 23) issued a geomagnetic storm watch and said that they have detected a coronal mass ejection.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/northern-lights-to-be-seen-in-us-and-uk-after-solar-storms-could-disrupt-radio-communications-704150">Northern Lights to be seen in US and UK after solar storms; could disrupt radio communications</a></p>

<p>Coronal mass ejections or CMEs are created by a large cloud of magnetic and plasma field bursts from the corona of the sun.</p>

<h2><strong>Northern Lights shine across sky, sparkle over volcano in Iceland</strong></h2>

<p>After the solar storm hit planet Earth, it created beautiful green, purple and red auroras for the skywatchers across the skies in Europe, New Zealand and parts of the northern United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The auroras, also called the northern and southern lights, were created by the solar storm. However, they soon disappeared after the geomagnetic activity quickly waned.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">March 25, 2024<br />
South Indian Lake, MB<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auroraborealis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auroraborealis</a> danced in the sky around 9:30 PM tonight. The fringe of pink <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aurora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aurora</a> color appeared as well. What a nice way to treat myself this spring break. Watch the serene beauty of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/northernlights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#northernlights</a> during the spring break night! <a href="https://t.co/DvzlK2uCLD">pic.twitter.com/DvzlK2uCLD</a></p>
— Rj Roldan ™ 🔅 (@rjayroldan) <a href="https://twitter.com/rjayroldan/status/1772464603944947807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Taking to SpaceWeather.com, “aurora hunter" Alexander Kuznetsov in Finland said that the “aurora did one amazing dance just after the fall of darkness".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, “It started as a sharp dancing arc in the Southern horizon, and it quickly went overhead, producing some of the most vibrant red &amp; purple auroras that I’ve seen in my entire aurora hunting career!”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, aurora watcher in southwest Finland, Matti Helin said that a “nice display” lasted just 20 minutes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Space Race: India and China reach for the stars</strong></p>

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<p>This natural phenomenon was also captured in the skies above a volcano near the Icelandic town of Grindavik which erupted as the Northern Lights dazzled in the night sky.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Northern Lights shine over erupting volcano in Iceland <a href="https://t.co/WYipY80ZII">https://t.co/WYipY80ZII</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateChange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateChange</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateEmergency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateEmergency</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateActionNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateActionNow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateCrisis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalBoiling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalBoiling</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Earthquake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CO2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CO2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iceland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iceland</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Volcano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Volcano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Grindavik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Grindavik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ToxicGas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ToxicGas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Magma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Magma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lava?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lava</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SolarStorm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SolarStorm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aurora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aurora</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XFlare?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XFlare</a> <a href="https://t.co/hchttu4SeR">pic.twitter.com/hchttu4SeR</a></p>
— firehorse23 (@firehorse249791) <a href="https://twitter.com/firehorse249791/status/1772325438037147812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Auroras are created when multiple solar particles are sent by the sun towards Earth which disturbs the magnetic field and creates a geomagnetic storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The strongest geomagnetic storm in at least five years slammed the Earth and filled the sky with green and purple hues of aurora. The solar storm was also reported to have caused "a major disturbance in Earth's magnetic field" which is likely to have impacted infrastructure and caused the northern lights to become visible to the human eye, said officials.

The strongest geomagnetic storm in at least five years slammed the Earth and filled the sky with green and purple hues of aurora. The solar storm was also reported to have caused "a major disturbance in Earth's magnetic field" which is likely to have impacted infrastructure and caused the northern lights to become visible to the human eye, said officials. Level 4 Solar Storm pic.twitter.com/wFDvxeCpnv — SpaceWeatherNews (@SunWeatherMan) March 24, 2024 × NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Centre on Saturday (Mar 23) issued a geomagnetic storm watch and said that they have detected a coronal mass ejection. Also Read: Northern Lights to be seen in US and UK after solar storms; could disrupt radio communications Coronal mass ejections or CMEs are created by a large cloud of magnetic and plasma field bursts from the corona of the sun. Northern Lights shine across sky, sparkle over volcano in Iceland After the solar storm hit planet Earth, it created beautiful green, purple and red auroras for the skywatchers across the skies in Europe, New Zealand and parts of the northern United States. The auroras, also called the northern and southern lights, were created by the solar storm. However, they soon disappeared after the geomagnetic activity quickly waned. March 25, 2024 South Indian Lake, MB#auroraborealis danced in the sky around 9:30 PM tonight. The fringe of pink #aurora color appeared as well. What a nice way to treat myself this spring break. Watch the serene beauty of the #northernlights during the spring break night! pic.twitter.com/DvzlK2uCLD — Rj Roldan ™ 🔅 (@rjayroldan) March 26, 2024 × Taking to SpaceWeather.com, “aurora hunter" Alexander Kuznetsov in Finland said that the “aurora did one amazing dance just after the fall of darkness". He said, “It started as a sharp dancing arc in the Southern horizon, and it quickly went overhead, producing some of the most vibrant red & purple auroras that I’ve seen in my entire aurora hunting career!” Meanwhile, aurora watcher in southwest Finland, Matti Helin said that a “nice display” lasted just 20 minutes. Watch: Space Race: India and China reach for the stars This natural phenomenon was also captured in the skies above a volcano near the Icelandic town of Grindavik which erupted as the Northern Lights dazzled in the night sky. Northern Lights shine over erupting volcano in Iceland https://t.co/WYipY80ZII #ClimateChange #ClimateEmergency #ClimateActionNow #ClimateCrisis #GlobalBoiling #Earthquake #CO2 #Iceland #Volcano #Grindavik #ToxicGas #Magma #Lava #SolarStorm #Aurora #XFlare pic.twitter.com/hchttu4SeR — firehorse23 (@firehorse249791) March 25, 2024 × Auroras are created when multiple solar particles are sent by the sun towards Earth which disturbs the magnetic field and creates a geomagnetic storm. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Strongest geomagnetic storm in years hits Earth, triggering green and purple aurora

<p>It wouldn’t be wrong to call 2024 the year when our star, the gigantic Sun, is having its moment. With immense changes in its solar structure due to the upcoming solar maximum, the internal changes going on with the Sun will soon have an impact on Earth and other planets in the solar system.</p>

<p>Recently, scientists noticed that a hyperactive sunspot, first detected on February 18, is now swelling at a faster rate and is pointed right towards Earth. What does this mean?</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vaping-e-cigarette-chemicals-may-heighten-covid-susceptibility-new-study-reveals-694617">Vaping: E-cigarette chemicals may heighten Covid susceptibility, new study reveals</a></p>

<p>So, sunspots are large areas on the surface of the Sun where the magnetic field is about 2500 times stronger than Earth’s, also much higher than anywhere on the Sun. These spots appear darker than the surrounding area, like the one shown in the picture here.</p>

<p><img alt="Sunspot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74f4ec72-416b-44d0-9acc-6a966018d558" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NASA%27s_SDO_Observes_Largest_Sunspot_of_the_Solar_Cycle_%2815430820129%29_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>These sunspots appear where the Sun is most active internally, and their number varies according to the approximately 11-year solar cycle.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biggest sunspot of 2024 is now pointing directly at Earth</strong></h2>

<p>In 2024, the biggest sunspot named AR3590 first appeared on February 18, on the Sun’s Earth-facing side. It quickly started swelling into a dark patch, much wider than our planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On February 21, AR3950 spit out a pair of X-class solar flares, which are known as the most powerful type of solar flare, with magnitudes of X1.7 and X1.8.</p>

<p>On February 22, the same sunspot released a massive X6.3 flare, the most powerful solar explosion recorded in over six years.</p>

<p>All three flares caused temporary radio blackouts on Earth, but none of them launched coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are clouds of magnetised plasma that can ram into Earth's magnetic shield as they fly through space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/porpoise-ful-mistake-porpoises-not-methane-may-be-responsible-for-mysterious-pits-in-north-sea-694626">'Porpoise-ful' mistake: Porpoises, not methane, may be responsible for mysterious pits in North Sea</a></p>

<p>If any of these explosions had launched a CME at Earth, the resulting plasma clouds could have triggered severe geomagnetic storm disturbances in Earth's magnetic field that can trigger solar radiation to impact ground-based infrastructure, trigger stunning aurora displays and cause satellites to tumble back to Earth.</p>

<p>Since the triple X-class flares, AR3590 has continued to grow, almost doubling in size. It is now one of the largest sunspots of the current solar cycle, which began in 2019, Spaceweather.com reported.</p>

<p>According to Spaceweather.com, initial expectations of intensified solar activity in the sunspot's magnetic field, potentially leading to X-class solar eruptions, have yet to materialise. Instead, there have been only a few minor M-class flares observed since the triple flares occurred. This indicates the possibility of the sunspot accumulating energy for a larger eruption.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/quite-the-photographer-us-lunar-spacecraft-odysseus-shares-new-pictures-it-is-expected-to-go-dark-soon-694602">'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures; it is expected to go dark soon</a></p>

<p>Spaceweather.com notes that the immense sunspot is presently oriented in a manner that aligns it closely with Earth. Consequently, should another substantial X-class flare occur, there is a heightened risk of our planet being directly affected by associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs).</p>

<p>Though AR3590 is not large enough to trigger a dangerous type of solar storm, even if it released a CME that was half as powerful, it could still cause serious problems. And there is a high possibility of this happening in reality.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


It wouldn’t be wrong to call 2024 the year when our star, the gigantic Sun, is having its moment. With immense changes in its solar structure due to the upcoming solar maximum, the internal changes going on with the Sun will soon have an impact on Earth and other planets in the solar system.

It wouldn’t be wrong to call 2024 the year when our star, the gigantic Sun, is having its moment. With immense changes in its solar structure due to the upcoming solar maximum, the internal changes going on with the Sun will soon have an impact on Earth and other planets in the solar system. Recently, scientists noticed that a hyperactive sunspot, first detected on February 18, is now swelling at a faster rate and is pointed right towards Earth. What does this mean? Also Read | Vaping: E-cigarette chemicals may heighten Covid susceptibility, new study reveals So, sunspots are large areas on the surface of the Sun where the magnetic field is about 2500 times stronger than Earth’s, also much higher than anywhere on the Sun. These spots appear darker than the surrounding area, like the one shown in the picture here. These sunspots appear where the Sun is most active internally, and their number varies according to the approximately 11-year solar cycle. Biggest sunspot of 2024 is now pointing directly at Earth In 2024, the biggest sunspot named AR3590 first appeared on February 18, on the Sun’s Earth-facing side. It quickly started swelling into a dark patch, much wider than our planet. On February 21, AR3950 spit out a pair of X-class solar flares, which are known as the most powerful type of solar flare, with magnitudes of X1.7 and X1.8. On February 22, the same sunspot released a massive X6.3 flare, the most powerful solar explosion recorded in over six years. All three flares caused temporary radio blackouts on Earth, but none of them launched coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are clouds of magnetised plasma that can ram into Earth's magnetic shield as they fly through space. Also Read | 'Porpoise-ful' mistake: Porpoises, not methane, may be responsible for mysterious pits in North Sea If any of these explosions had launched a CME at Earth, the resulting plasma clouds could have triggered severe geomagnetic storm disturbances in Earth's magnetic field that can trigger solar radiation to impact ground-based infrastructure, trigger stunning aurora displays and cause satellites to tumble back to Earth. Since the triple X-class flares, AR3590 has continued to grow, almost doubling in size. It is now one of the largest sunspots of the current solar cycle, which began in 2019, Spaceweather.com reported. According to Spaceweather.com, initial expectations of intensified solar activity in the sunspot's magnetic field, potentially leading to X-class solar eruptions, have yet to materialise. Instead, there have been only a few minor M-class flares observed since the triple flares occurred. This indicates the possibility of the sunspot accumulating energy for a larger eruption. Also Read | 'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures; it is expected to go dark soon Spaceweather.com notes that the immense sunspot is presently oriented in a manner that aligns it closely with Earth. Consequently, should another substantial X-class flare occur, there is a heightened risk of our planet being directly affected by associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Though AR3590 is not large enough to trigger a dangerous type of solar storm, even if it released a CME that was half as powerful, it could still cause serious problems. And there is a high possibility of this happening in reality. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive sunspot wider than Earth is now aiming directly at us. Is it cause for worry?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidLVzGgzT353qU" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A powerful geomagnetic storm, expected to last several days, will hit Earth on October 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The magnetic storm has a K-index of 6, which corresponds to the red level, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported.</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about the magnetic storm and how to protect the human body from its harmful effects.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Magnetic Storm About To Hit Earth</strong></h2>

<p>A magnetic storm of K-index 5 enveloped the Earth on October 21, according to reports from NOAA satellite systems, TESIS, and international meteorological laboratories worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On October 24, the storm will get stronger as it reaches the K-index of 6, corresponding to a red-level magnetic storm. The geomagnetic activity will only subside on Thursday, October 26.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is a Magnetic Storm?</strong></h2>

<p>Several eruptions and flares on the Sun cause solar energy emissions, leading to increased geomagnetic activity. During this time, the solar energy scatters in different directions, including towards Earth.</p>

<p>The energy emitted during these eruptions contains charged particles that can move swiftly through space. These charged particles (protons and electrons) collide with Earth's magnetosphere, triggering geomagnetic activity called solar or magnetic storms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-take-amusement-park-approach-to-bring-mars-samples-back-to-earth-650367" target="_blank">NASA to take 'amusement park' approach to bring Mars samples back to Earth</a></p>

<p>Scientists differentiate magnetic&nbsp;storms by their strength, depending on the flares. While tiny fluctuations are undetectable and classified under storms with K-index 2 or 3, those with K-index 4 and above are noticeable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Storms with a K-index higher than 5 come under the red-level magnetic&nbsp;storm category. Such storms can cause hindrances in satellite operation, GPRS, mobile communication, and electrical grid functioning. Moreover, powerful magnetic&nbsp;storms can cause aurora, a natural light display that shimmers in the sky.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Impact of Magnetic Storms</strong></h2>

<p>Powerful magnetic storms can affect the well-being of people on Earth. Scientists worldwide have been observing the impact of solar storms on human beings, but there is still no consensus. However, numerous researches verified a connection between people's deteriorating health and magnetic storms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are the common complaints people make during a magnetic storm:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Headaches, migraines, and dizziness</li>
	<li>Insomnia or excessive sleepiness</li>
	<li>General weakness and worsened well-being</li>
	<li>Increased fatigue, decreased concentration, and productivity</li>
	<li>Heightened anxiety, depression, irritability, and aggression</li>
</ul>

<p>However, magnetic storms are more dangerous for astronauts beyond the protective shield of Earth's atmosphere, as the high radiation levels can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer.</p>

<p>According to medical professionals, people must rest more, get proper sleep, avoid exertion, drink plenty of water and breathe fresh air during a magnetic storm.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A powerful geomagnetic storm, expected to last several days, will hit Earth on October 24. The magnetic storm has a K-index of 6, which corresponds to the red level, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported.

A powerful geomagnetic storm, expected to last several days, will hit Earth on October 24. The magnetic storm has a K-index of 6, which corresponds to the red level, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported. Here's everything you need to know about the magnetic storm and how to protect the human body from its harmful effects. Magnetic Storm About To Hit Earth A magnetic storm of K-index 5 enveloped the Earth on October 21, according to reports from NOAA satellite systems, TESIS, and international meteorological laboratories worldwide. On October 24, the storm will get stronger as it reaches the K-index of 6, corresponding to a red-level magnetic storm. The geomagnetic activity will only subside on Thursday, October 26. What is a Magnetic Storm? Several eruptions and flares on the Sun cause solar energy emissions, leading to increased geomagnetic activity. During this time, the solar energy scatters in different directions, including towards Earth. The energy emitted during these eruptions contains charged particles that can move swiftly through space. These charged particles (protons and electrons) collide with Earth's magnetosphere, triggering geomagnetic activity called solar or magnetic storms. ALSO READ | NASA to take 'amusement park' approach to bring Mars samples back to Earth Scientists differentiate magnetic storms by their strength, depending on the flares. While tiny fluctuations are undetectable and classified under storms with K-index 2 or 3, those with K-index 4 and above are noticeable. Storms with a K-index higher than 5 come under the red-level magnetic storm category. Such storms can cause hindrances in satellite operation, GPRS, mobile communication, and electrical grid functioning. Moreover, powerful magnetic storms can cause aurora, a natural light display that shimmers in the sky. Impact of Magnetic Storms Powerful magnetic storms can affect the well-being of people on Earth. Scientists worldwide have been observing the impact of solar storms on human beings, but there is still no consensus. However, numerous researches verified a connection between people's deteriorating health and magnetic storms. Here are the common complaints people make during a magnetic storm: Headaches, migraines, and dizziness Insomnia or excessive sleepiness General weakness and worsened well-being Increased fatigue, decreased concentration, and productivity Heightened anxiety, depression, irritability, and aggression However, magnetic storms are more dangerous for astronauts beyond the protective shield of Earth's atmosphere, as the high radiation levels can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. According to medical professionals, people must rest more, get proper sleep, avoid exertion, drink plenty of water and breathe fresh air during a magnetic storm. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Giant solar storm to hit Earth on Oct 24. Here's how to protect yourself

<p>A solar storm, which has been forecasted on Thursday, is likely to give sky gazers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that occur when solar wind hits the atmosphere. The phenomenon is likely to occur in 17 American states, including three in New England.<br />
<br />
Northern Lights, also called as aurora borealis, are often witnessed in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia, however, the 11-year solar cycle which is expected to peak in 2024 will make the lights visible in the south.<br />
<br />
The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks made a forecast about the auroral activity for the regions on Thursday in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-to-turn-snowfall-into-extreme-rainfalls-in-high-altitude-regions-risk-of-landslides-study-609833">Climate change to turn snow into extreme rainfalls in high-altitude regions, risk of landslides: Study</a></p>

<p>As per the forecast, if the weather conditions remain favourable, the northern lights will surely illuminate the night skies in the northern regions of these US states - Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine and Maryland.<br />
<br />
The report published by the UAF Institute states, “Auroral activity will be high(+). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis.”</p>

<h2><strong>When to view Aurora Borealis in the night sky</strong></h2>

<p>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Centre stated that people, who are planning to experience an aurora borealis, should move away from city lights and added that the best time to view the phenomenon is between 10 pm&nbsp;and 2 am&nbsp;local time.<br />
<br />
The visibility and brightness of the aurora borealis significantly depend on the level of geomagnetic activity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be monitoring the activity closely&nbsp;as the date approaches. NOAA will be publishing its own forecast for assisting potential viewers.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;El Nino is coming: Are we ready?</strong></p>

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<p><br />
The last such event occurred in the United States in late April. Amid a geomagnetic storm, the aurora could be seen in 30 US states.<br />
<br />
Explaining the natural phenomena of northern lights, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre said, “Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centred on the magnetic pole of Earth.”<br />
<br />
You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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A solar storm, which has been forecasted on Thursday, is likely to give sky gazers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that occur when solar wind hits the atmosphere.

A solar storm, which has been forecasted on Thursday, is likely to give sky gazers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that occur when solar wind hits the atmosphere. The phenomenon is likely to occur in 17 American states, including three in New England. Northern Lights, also called as aurora borealis, are often witnessed in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia, however, the 11-year solar cycle which is expected to peak in 2024 will make the lights visible in the south. The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks made a forecast about the auroral activity for the regions on Thursday in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. ALSO READ | Climate change to turn snow into extreme rainfalls in high-altitude regions, risk of landslides: Study As per the forecast, if the weather conditions remain favourable, the northern lights will surely illuminate the night skies in the northern regions of these US states - Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine and Maryland. The report published by the UAF Institute states, “Auroral activity will be high(+). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis.” When to view Aurora Borealis in the night sky The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Centre stated that people, who are planning to experience an aurora borealis, should move away from city lights and added that the best time to view the phenomenon is between 10 pm and 2 am local time. The visibility and brightness of the aurora borealis significantly depend on the level of geomagnetic activity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be monitoring the activity closely as the date approaches. NOAA will be publishing its own forecast for assisting potential viewers. WATCH | El Nino is coming: Are we ready? The last such event occurred in the United States in late April. Amid a geomagnetic storm, the aurora could be seen in 30 US states. Explaining the natural phenomena of northern lights, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre said, “Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centred on the magnetic pole of Earth.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Solar storm to make Northern Lights visible in 17 US states. Here's when to watch the spectacle

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a large solar flare erupted from the Sun on June 14 and is on its way to Earth.

This solar storm may cause radio blackout

<p>On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The NOAA gave vital information in a new space weather forecast, the media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This is happening as the sun has been witnessing a heightened activity for some months. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/committing-crimes-on-moon-or-in-orbit-may-turn-illegal-for-canadian-astronauts-soon-476882" hreflang="en">Committing crimes on Moon or in orbit may turn illegal for Canadian astronauts soon</a></strong></p>

<p>It is currently emitting several powerful solar flares. The giant explosions of plasma, which are known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are also released with flares sometimes. &nbsp;</p>

<p>When the CMEs pass through Earth, they temporarily compress the magnetic shield of the planet, which causes geomagnetic storms.&nbsp;These can muddle radio waves, take down power grids and damage satellites, a Live Science report said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?</strong></p>

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<p>As per NOAA, the majority of the geomagnetic storms are mild. But the largest CMEs can lead to devastating storms. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, the CMEs take around 15 to 18 hours to reach Earth after leaving the sun. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A gigantic "cannibal CME", which means two CMEs combined into one, had smashed into Earth in late March.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.

On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. The NOAA gave vital information in a new space weather forecast, the media reports said. This is happening as the sun has been witnessing a heightened activity for some months. Also Read: Committing crimes on Moon or in orbit may turn illegal for Canadian astronauts soon It is currently emitting several powerful solar flares. The giant explosions of plasma, which are known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are also released with flares sometimes. When the CMEs pass through Earth, they temporarily compress the magnetic shield of the planet, which causes geomagnetic storms. These can muddle radio waves, take down power grids and damage satellites, a Live Science report said. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? × As per NOAA, the majority of the geomagnetic storms are mild. But the largest CMEs can lead to devastating storms. Usually, the CMEs take around 15 to 18 hours to reach Earth after leaving the sun. A gigantic "cannibal CME", which means two CMEs combined into one, had smashed into Earth in late March. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Warning! On May 7, solar storm will pass through Earth, says NOAA. Find out its effects

<p>USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sunday issued a warning on Sunday alerting everyone about G1-class geomagnetic storm or solar storm. This storm had a K-index of 5. This, said the alert,&nbsp;may have caused Aurora borealis to be visible from few states in the US.</p>

<p><strong>What are auroras?</strong></p>

<p>Our Sun constantly gives out a stream of highly charged, magnetic particles. Solar storms refer to Coronal Mass Ejections (CME). In the case of a solar storm, a flood of magnetic particles travels in the direction of our planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful effects of these magnetic particles emitted by the Sun. But these particles are able to interact with magnetic field of the Earth. This interaction results in what is visible from the surface of the Earth as aurora.</p>

<p>Though the NOAA gave an alert about the strong solar storm, NASA and NOAA differed in their predictions as to when the storm would impact the Earth.</p>

<p>“Fast Hit or Slow? An Earth-directed #solarstorm is on its way to Earth, but NASA &amp; NOAA predictions disagree on impact time. NASA says the impact will be near midnight on March 28, but NOAA believes 18 hours earlier. Either way #aurora could reach to mid-latitudes!" tweeted popular space weather forecaster Dr Tamitha Skov a few days ago.</p>


USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sunday issued a warning on Sunday alerting everyone about G1-class geomagnetic storm or solar storm.

USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sunday issued a warning on Sunday alerting everyone about G1-class geomagnetic storm or solar storm. This storm had a K-index of 5. This, said the alert, may have caused Aurora borealis to be visible from few states in the US. What are auroras? Our Sun constantly gives out a stream of highly charged, magnetic particles. Solar storms refer to Coronal Mass Ejections (CME). In the case of a solar storm, a flood of magnetic particles travels in the direction of our planet. Our Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful effects of these magnetic particles emitted by the Sun. But these particles are able to interact with magnetic field of the Earth. This interaction results in what is visible from the surface of the Earth as aurora. Though the NOAA gave an alert about the strong solar storm, NASA and NOAA differed in their predictions as to when the storm would impact the Earth. “Fast Hit or Slow? An Earth-directed #solarstorm is on its way to Earth, but NASA & NOAA predictions disagree on impact time. NASA says the impact will be near midnight on March 28, but NOAA believes 18 hours earlier. Either way #aurora could reach to mid-latitudes!" tweeted popular space weather forecaster Dr Tamitha Skov a few days ago.

A solar storm may have caused auroras in the US

<p>Sun is a violent, explosive star. It is constantly churning out heat and matter in the form of solar flares. Though Earth's atmosphere shields use from the worst, the solar flares pack enough punch for our satellites to malfunction and power grids to get disrupted.</p>

<p>Solar activity has an 11-year cycle during which it increases and decreases. However, scientists and researchers found that solar storms were of lessened intensity during Cycle 24 which lasted between 2008 and 2019, the Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) were of lesser intensity than those in Cycle 23 (1996-2007).</p>

<p>Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) are episodic expulsions of magntised plasma into space.</p>

<p>Scientists have found that average radial size of CMEs in Cycle 24 was just two-thirds of those in Cycle 23.</p>

<p>This was baffling the scientists as decrease in interplanetary gas pressure in space during Cycle 24 should have meant that CMEs should have been more intense than before. But the intensity decreased.</p>

<p>Scientists led by Dr Wageesh Mishra of Indian Institute of Astrophysics have found a reason behind this.</p>

<p>Dr Mishra has been quoted in media reports as saying that interstellar pressure indeed decrease during Cycle 24 but this effect was accompanied by reduction in magnetic content of CMEs. This was the reason why coronal mass ejections were of reduced intensity than in the previous cycle.</p>

<p>The work of these scientists has been published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences.</p>


Sun is a violent, explosive star. It is constantly churning out heat and matter in the form of solar flares. Though Earth's atmosphere shields use from the worst, the solar flares pack enough punch for our satellites to malfunction and power grids to get disrupted.

Sun is a violent, explosive star. It is constantly churning out heat and matter in the form of solar flares. Though Earth's atmosphere shields use from the worst, the solar flares pack enough punch for our satellites to malfunction and power grids to get disrupted. Solar activity has an 11-year cycle during which it increases and decreases. However, scientists and researchers found that solar storms were of lessened intensity during Cycle 24 which lasted between 2008 and 2019, the Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) were of lesser intensity than those in Cycle 23 (1996-2007). Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) are episodic expulsions of magntised plasma into space. Scientists have found that average radial size of CMEs in Cycle 24 was just two-thirds of those in Cycle 23. This was baffling the scientists as decrease in interplanetary gas pressure in space during Cycle 24 should have meant that CMEs should have been more intense than before. But the intensity decreased. Scientists led by Dr Wageesh Mishra of Indian Institute of Astrophysics have found a reason behind this. Dr Mishra has been quoted in media reports as saying that interstellar pressure indeed decrease during Cycle 24 but this effect was accompanied by reduction in magnetic content of CMEs. This was the reason why coronal mass ejections were of reduced intensity than in the previous cycle. The work of these scientists has been published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences.

Scientist find reason why solar storms decreased in last decade

<p>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported Wednesday night that the Earth was enveloped in a dense stream of solar wind, though no notable impact was manifested as the event was not particularly strong. The majority of people likely weren't even aware it happened.</p>

<p>Magnetic field disturbances occurred over the course of a few hours but did not last long, according to the American agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-racing-pigeons-disappear-in-mysterious-solar-storm-395031">Thousands of racing pigeons disappear in mysterious 'solar storm'</a></strong></p>

<p>NOAA reported that the storm had passed through Earth at 16:41 UTC (22:11 IST) with a geomagnetic K-index of 4. Geomagnetic storms are measured using the K-index, and a level of 4 indicates a minor disturbance.</p>

<p>As a result of the solar storm, NOAA said that power grid fluctuations occurred and that auroras should be observed at high latitudes like Canada and Alaska. However, no sightings have been reported by the local American media.</p>

<p>The geomagnetic waves propagated by solar storms are invisible and harmless to those on Earth's surface, but they can disrupt power grids, jam radio communications, bombard airline crews with deadly radiation, and&nbsp;interfere with critical satellite communications.</p>

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported Wednesday night that the Earth was enveloped in a dense stream of solar wind, though no notable impact was manifested as the event was not particularly strong.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported Wednesday night that the Earth was enveloped in a dense stream of solar wind, though no notable impact was manifested as the event was not particularly strong. The majority of people likely weren't even aware it happened. Magnetic field disturbances occurred over the course of a few hours but did not last long, according to the American agency. Also read | Thousands of racing pigeons disappear in mysterious 'solar storm' NOAA reported that the storm had passed through Earth at 16:41 UTC (22:11 IST) with a geomagnetic K-index of 4. Geomagnetic storms are measured using the K-index, and a level of 4 indicates a minor disturbance. As a result of the solar storm, NOAA said that power grid fluctuations occurred and that auroras should be observed at high latitudes like Canada and Alaska. However, no sightings have been reported by the local American media. The geomagnetic waves propagated by solar storms are invisible and harmless to those on Earth's surface, but they can disrupt power grids, jam radio communications, bombard airline crews with deadly radiation, and interfere with critical satellite communications.

Earth was engulfed by solar wind for a few hours: NOAA

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