A severe geomagnetic solar stormcaused by the recent solar eruptions that have launched plasma towards Earth, hits our planet these days. In USAthere is an alert for the northern lights, which have extended this Monday in an unusual way south to regions such as the state of Alabama and the north of the state of California.
The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned of a prolonged period of elevated geomagnetic activityknown as level five geomagnetic K index.
This phenomenon can affect the electrical networks y al satellite operationand could make the aurora visible in the highest latitudes of the United States.
The geomagnetic K index is a scale used to measure the magnitude of geomagnetic storms.
This is a video summary of the 22 March solar flares, coronal mass ejection (CME), and eventual CME arrival at Earth on 24 March – with resultant geomagnetic storms. The CME progression continues at this time. pic.twitter.com/u5FeeSMzGp
— NOAA Space Weather (@NWSSWPC) March 24, 2024
NOAA's Space Weather Scale, a framework designed to categorize the severity of space weather events, details five levels of geomagnetic storms, from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme), each with varying impacts on infrastructure and the environment. Earth's environment.
The severity of the current phenomenon, classified as G2 with the potential to increase again to the G4 level this Monday. Geomagnetically induced currents could pose widespread problems in voltage control systems.
This could trigger protective measures that inadvertently disconnect crucial components from the power grid. Additionally, these currents can be amplified in the pipes, further complicating the situation.
Severe geomagnetic storm
The implications of this increase in geomagnetic activity, which are broad, can affect various aspects of the functioning of our planet. The most affected area is located mainly towards the pole of 60 degrees of geomagnetic latitude. Here you can see the consequences:
Induced currents. As a result of geomagnetic disturbance, weak fluctuations can occur in the power grid. This can cause small interruptions in the power supply, highlighting the sensitivity of our infrastructure to space weather events.
Spacecraft operations. Satellites in space could suffer minor operational impacts. Although they do not pose an immediate threat, these impacts could affect communication and navigation systems that depend on satellite technology.
Aurora visibility. The most visually impressive effect of this geomagnetic activity is the aurora, or northern light, in the high latitudes of the United States. Regions such as northern Michigan and Maine could witness this impressive natural phenomenon.