The sun has been acting up again, and this time, scientists are warning of a potential solar storm on its way to Earth. Following a powerful ‘X class solar flare’, American scientists have sounded the alarm. In India, experts at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are urging satellite operators to take precautions, as the incoming solar storm could disrupt telecommunications and satellites.
What exactly is a solar storm? It’s essentially a burst of energy, particles, and magnetic fields that the sun blasts out into the solar system. While these storms aren’t new, this one is causing concern because it’s similar to the one that occurred in May 2024, which also caused some disruption to Earth’s magnetic field.
Dr. Annapurni Subramanian, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, explained that while the effects of this storm are still uncertain, it could lead to some interference in the magnetosphere. Whether it will have a significant impact on India remains to be seen, as it takes a few days for these storms to reach Earth.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a solar storm this year. In October, the US experienced a solar storm that caused faint northern lights in the northern part of the country. Earlier in May, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had warned about a powerful solar storm classified as a ‘severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm’. This storm, observed after a 20-year hiatus, also created stunning aurora displays across the Northern Hemisphere.
So, why are scientists worried about these solar storms? When they hit Earth, they can disrupt our planet’s magnetic field, causing what’s known as a geomagnetic storm. This can lead to a variety of problems, including radio blackouts, power outages, and even the beautiful auroras.
While solar storms can be disruptive, NASA assures us that they don’t pose a direct threat to humans. The Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere act as a protective shield, shielding us from the worst of these storms. However, the potential impact on technology and infrastructure is something that scientists and space agencies are carefully monitoring.
