NASA has raised a solar storm warning today, detecting 2 solar storms, or coronal mass ejections (CMEs), partly aimed towards Earth. These solar storms in 2023 were observed on July 4th by NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO).
Known as CMEs, these storms are composed of up to a billion tons of charged plasma particles and carry their own magnetic fields.
The incoming solar storms are projected to hit Earth by July 7th. When CMEs strike the magnetic field of our planet, they create a significant disturbance in the magnetosphere leading to the creation of large disturbances known as geomagnetic storms.
These storms could potentially disrupt power and communication infrastructure on Earth, also posing threats to satellites and global positioning system (GPS) services.
The 2 CMEs differ in their speed and direction. NASA predicts that the slower one will arrive first, reaching Earth on Friday before 8 am EDT and heading mostly northeast.
The second, faster CME is expected to make a more "direct hit" on Earth, veering slightly southward, and should arrive early on July 7th. These solar storms, marked as CME solar flares today, are predicted to trigger a G-1 level geomagnetic storm.
Despite being defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as minor events, G-1 level geomagnetic storms can still cause power grid fluctuations and impact spacecraft operations.
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In addition to the possible disruptions, the NOAA adds that the CMEs could result in a spectacular light show – auroras. These phenomena occur when charged particles travel down the magnetic field lines in Earth's magnetosphere, creating vibrant and colorful displays.
Normally visible at high latitudes near the poles, these powerful CMEs may make auroras visible at lower mid-latitudes.
NOAA notes that auroras linked to G-1 geomagnetic storms can often be seen in the U.S. as far south as Michigan and Maine. Even as the traditional fireworks of Independence Day have faded, the solar storm of 2023 might just offer a more breathtaking spectacle with its cosmic display.