A powerful solar storm is set to hit Earth this week, following strong eruptions from the Sun that affected our planet. Scientists have warned of the impending storm, with a 60 percent chance that it will hit on Tuesday, and a lower possibility on Wednesday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has classified the upcoming storm as a G2-class geomagnetic storm of “Moderate” intensity, occurring about 600 times per solar cycle.
The Sun has been releasing powerful flares containing large quantities of charged particles that have accelerated in speed and increased in number due to intense magnetic activity on its surface, part of its 11-year solar cycle. NOAA stated that last week’s celestial drama unfolded with stunning auroras painting the skies in vibrant hues of pink, green, and purple. From northern Europe to Australia’s Tasmania, sky gazers captured stunning photos of the rare phenomena.
The upcoming solar storms are expected to lead to auroras as well. Friday’s storm hit level five geomagnetic conditions, the highest on the scale. Saturday saw G3 to G5 conditions, with higher conditions predicted for Sunday. Despite initial worries, no major disruptions to power or communications networks have been reported yet. However, powerful radiation of charged particles can pose radiation hazards for astronauts in space and interrupt power grids. Skywatchers across the globe should keep an eye on the sky for any further developments related to this celestial event.
