Solar Storm Slams Earth, Triggering Geomagnetic Storms
Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued
A dramatic solar flare has set off a geomagnetic storm on Earth, prompting a rare severe geomagnetic storm watch for the first time in nearly 20 years. The solar flare, which erupted from the sun's corona on April 21, 2023, spewed out a massive burst of plasma that raced toward our planet.
Coronal Mass Ejections
The plasma cloud from the solar flare, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), reached Earth's magnetic field on May 10, 2024, triggering the geomagnetic storm. CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun's corona that can travel billions of miles through space.
Potential Impacts
The severe geomagnetic storm could have a range of impacts on Earth's infrastructure and communications. The storm could disrupt power grids, causing blackouts and power outages. It could also interfere with satellite communications, GPS systems, and radio transmissions.
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