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Strongest Solar Storm in Decades Hits Earth, Aurora Dazzles

Earth Witnessed Strongest Solar Storm in Decades, Aurora Borealis Dazzles But Grid Risks Loom

May 11, 2024

Friday's solar storm, the strongest in over two decades, triggered breathtaking auroras across the globe while raising concerns about potential disruptions to satellites and power grids.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center confirmed the arrival of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) - a burst of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun - shortly after 4:00 PM GMT on Friday. The storm intensified, becoming the first "extreme" geomagnetic event since the Halloween Storms of 2003, which caused blackouts in Sweden and damaged South African power infrastructure.

A Visual Spectacle

Social media buzzed with awe-inspiring images of the aurora borealis, visible from Tasmania to northern Europe. From backyard sightings in Hertford, England, to breathtaking displays captured by photographers in Tasmania, the storm painted the night sky with an unforgettable display.

Strongest Solar Storm in Decades Hits Earth, Aurora Dazzles

Precautionary Measures

Authorities wasted no time in notifying airlines, satellite operators, and power grid officials about potential disruptions caused by the geomagnetic storm's impact on Earth's magnetic field. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Starlink, the low-Earth orbit satellite internet provider, acknowledged the storm's intensity but assured users that Starlink satellites were "holding up so far."

Understanding the Storm

CMEs travel at a slower pace compared to solar flares, taking days to reach Earth. This particular storm originated from a massive sunspot cluster 17 times wider than our planet. Solar activity is expected to heighten as the Sun nears the peak of its 11-year cycle.

Strongest Solar Storm in Decades Hits Earth, Aurora Dazzles

Witnessing the Aurora

Space physicist Mathew Owens of the University of Reading encouraged people to step outside and look for the aurora, especially if they reside in areas like Northern California or Alabama in the US. NOAA's Brent Gordon suggested using newer smartphones to capture the night sky, even if the naked eye couldn't detect the faint auroras.

Potential Impacts

Geomagnetic storms can induce currents in long wires, including power lines, potentially leading to blackouts. Long pipelines can also be affected. While the atmosphere shields humans from high radiation doses, spacecraft are at risk. NASA has protocols to ensure astronaut safety aboard the International Space Station. Geomagnetic storms might even disrupt the navigation of some bird species that rely on internal biological compasses.

Strongest Solar Storm in Decades Hits Earth, Aurora Dazzles

Preparedness is Key

Officials recommend having basic emergency supplies on hand, such as flashlights, batteries, and radios, in case of power outages. The Carrington Event, the strongest solar storm on record (September 1859), serves as a reminder of the potential consequences. Back then, excess currents on telegraph lines caused electrical shocks and even set fire to equipment.