Space Weather experts anticipate the delayed arrival of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that could trigger a minor geomagnetic storm when it hits Earth’s magnetic field.
Updated Nov 20, 2023 | 05:24 PM IST
A predicted solar flare is expected to hit Earth SOON!
he CME in question erupted from the Sun on November 15th and was initially forecast to reach our planet on November 19th. However, space weather forecasters from NOAA have detected no impact thus far.
Despite the delay, scientists believe the CME is still making its way towards Earth. Solar wind data indicates the ejected plasma cloud remains on track, though its speed has likely slowed somewhat during transit. This has postponed the anticipated geomagnetic effects.
Geomagnetic Storm Expected?
Forecasters say the CME’s glancing blow could instigate a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm when it arrives. This could happen as soon as November 20th based on the latest modeling. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) continues monitoring the CME’s progression.
The solar storm ranking scale goes from G1 Minor to G5 Extreme, with G1 storms causing weak fluctuations in the magnetic field that can drive auroras to lower latitudes. More powerful storms can disrupt communications, navigation systems, satellites, and power grids.
Aurora Views Ahead!
Auroral activity may arise if the CME generates a G1 storm when it finally sweeps past Earth. Skywatchers at high latitudes could witness heightened Northern and Southern Lights displays. NOAA’s 3-day forecast even suggest that there is a chance of radio blackouts for the next three-days.
How Does NASA Observes Solar Activity?
NASA has a fleet of solar observatories that provide nearly constant surveillance of the sun, around the clock. These missions study the sun across all layers of its atmosphere and interior, from the outermost regions to the turbulent surface to deep inside the sun itself. Instruments like helioseismic and magnetic imagers peer into the solar interior, while spacecraft like the Solar Dynamics Observatory, Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, and Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph observe the sun’s atmosphere. Upcoming missions set to launch in 2018 like Solar Probe Plus and the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter will add to NASA’s 24/7 solar monitoring capabilities. This array of sun-watching observatories enables comprehensive research into all solar processes and activity.
