A huge solar storm is bombarding our planet with so much radiation that it could cause disruption with power grids. The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), which is run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said in a statement that the storm might cause “power system voltage irregularities.”
Spacecraft could also “experience surface charging” which might be behind hazardous discharges of excess electrons, while low Earth-orbit satellites could run into “orientation problems” due to increased drag. GPS system might also run into intermittent issues.
Space weather is an important topic
The activity of our Sun has been increasing at a steady pace as it nears the highest point of activity during its 11-year cycle. The latest warning reminds us that Earth’s atmosphere acts like a highly effective barrier that shields earthlings from harmful radiation. However, it won’t be able to protect all the electronic systems, especially those orbiting our planet.
As per NASA, one flare got so intense late last month that it was categorized as an X1-class flare, which is said to be one of the most intense kinds. The current solar storm is also causing the northern lights across North America. According to the SWPC’s statement, auroras “may be seen as low as Pennsylvania to Iowa to Oregon.”
The topic of space weather will only become more imperative as humanity spends more time exploring places outside Earth. The extremely high levels of radiation involved could eventually pose a huge threat to astronauts.
X-class solar flare captured in detail
Recently, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite has managed to capture the extensive solar flare in detail. NOAA’s Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison shared two angles of the flare popping off in different wavelengths.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center categorized the flare as an X1. Solar flares are measured similarly to earthquakes, with the biggest flares categorized as “X-class.” The smallest flares are “A-class.” Higher numbers mean flares are more intense. In 2003, NASA measured an X28, though an X1 is still a major flare.
