In the past week, the Sun has been a hotbed of activity, with multiple significant solar events capturing the attention of scientists and space weather enthusiasts alike.
It all began with a powerful X-class solar flare eruption which unleashed two separate coronal mass ejections (CMEs) into space. A subsequent cannibal CME narrowly missed Earth, but its effects were still felt throughout the week.
Alongside these events, numerous M-class and X-class solar flare eruptions occurred, releasing streams of solar particles hurtling towards our planet.
This surge of solar activity has culminated in a long-duration solar storm that is expected to persist for an extended period.
Solar storms typically occur due to CMEs, which carry energised solar matter and plasma to Earth. While these storms are intense, they tend to be of shorter duration.
However, the current solar storm is unique in that it is primarily caused by an influx of charged proton particles, also known as solar winds. These particles, although massive in size, are considered the weakest contributors to solar storms.
As a result of the recent solar flare eruptions, an abundance of subatomic particles has been unleashed, leading to the prolonged duration of the current solar storm. At present, it is primarily localised within the Arctic Circle, resulting in a shortwave radio blackout in the region.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of significant disruptions to satellites, GPS systems, mobile networks, internet connectivity, or power grids. However, it remains to be seen if any accumulation effects may arise as the storm persists over the next 48 hours.
In monitoring and predicting atmospheric disturbances, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays a crucial role.
Utilising a fleet of advanced satellites, NOAA gathers vital data to help analyse and comprehend various weather phenomena. Among these technological marvels is the NOAA-20 satellite, part of the Joint Polar Satellite System.
The NOAA-20 satellite orbits the Earth approximately 14 times per day, providing comprehensive global coverage twice daily.
This allows meteorologists to access invaluable information regarding atmospheric temperature, moisture, cloud formations, sea-surface temperatures, ocean colour, sea ice cover, volcanic ash, and even fire detection.
Such data helps scientists better understand the origin and behaviour of solar storms and other weather anomalies.
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