Potential solar flares might exceed their previous intensities by a factor of three.
This year, we've been blessed with auroras appearing at locations we wouldn't normally expect. The driving force behind this is intense solar storms affecting Earth's magnetic field. These spectacular displays occur due to the collision of solar wind's charged particles with our magnetic field.
The upsurge in auroras isn't shocking as the sun is hitting its active phase in its cycle. As astrophysicist Volker Bothmer points out, "The sun is more lively than in the past cycle." A solar cycle hovers around 11 years, progressing from minimal to maximum activity. During the peak, we witness an increase in solar spots, flares, and coronal mass ejections, altering space weather and enhancing the risk of solar storms.
Pitfalls of intense solar storms
Although no extreme records have been recorded yet, solar cycle 25's current readings surpass those of the previous cycle. As Bothmer puts it, "We're not sure how severe it will get." Solar activity levels in cycles 21 to 23 were notably higher, spawning several major solar storms reaching speeds of up to 2,000 km/sec (7.2 million km/hour). Regular storms move at speeds between 250 and 1,000 km/sec.
Fortunately, the Earth usually avoids the direct path of these monumental solar storms, keeping the chances of satellite damage or power failures minimal. A notable instance of solar storm consequences was the power outage in Canada's Quebec in 1989, triggered by a geomagnetic storm. "There's about one to four such intense events per cycle," Bothmer explains. "We experienced this in May of this year."
Auroras touching Germany
In May, one of the century's most powerful solar storms occurred, peaking on May 11. This G5-level geomagnetic storm significantly disrupted Earth, causing auroras visible as far south as the Caribbean and Florida. This solar storm was even compared to the 1859 Carrington Event, history's strongest solar storm ever recorded.
However, this could simply be the start, warns Bothmer: "Solar storms can be twice or thrice as powerful as the Carrington Event." With around 10,000 solar storms per cycle, it's not unheard of for more extreme occurrences to happen. NASA and other space organizations employ satellites like the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) to monitor solar storms and issue early warnings.
Besides causing auroras, solar storms have detrimental effects on various technologies. Satellites, GPS systems, power grids, and communication systems could face disruptions.
Astronauts also face hazards from solar storms, as heightened radiation pose threats to their wellbeing in space. Therefore, monitoring solar activity is essential for planned space missions. On the other hand, solar storms offer a practical advantage: "Solar storms cause smaller space debris to go up in flames," Bothmer explains.
This text originated from wetter.de.
The increased solar activity during this cycle also poses threats to satellites and space technology, as intense solar storms can cause debris to burn up in the atmosphere. The unexpected solar storm in May, classified as a G5-level geomagnetic storm, led to auroras sightings as far south as Florida, highlighting the potential impacts of such events.
