Solar Filament Eruption Could Trigger Geomagnetic Storm
A remarkable solar event occurred on September 16 when a solar filament, referred to as a solar tendril, erupted from the sun. This eruption led to a coronal mass ejection (CME), which has caught the attention of scientists and skywatchers alike. Now, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G2-class moderate geomagnetic storm watch for September 19, as the Earth-directed portion of the CME is expected to hit.
The arrival of the CME could potentially trigger a geomagnetic storm similar to the one experienced on September 12, which caused stunning auroras visible in states such as Colorado and Missouri. These natural light displays were a result of disturbances to Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar material from CMEs.
Solar physicist Keith Strong expressed his excitement about the recent eruption, noting that it is the largest filament eruption he has witnessed in more than 50 years of observing the sun. This rare event has captivated researchers, offering valuable insights into the sun’s behavior and potential impacts on Earth.
NOAA categorizes geomagnetic storms on a scale from G1 to G5, with G5 being the most extreme level that can lead to a complete HF radio blackout on the sunlit side of Earth for several hours. Fortunately, the predicted G2 storm on September 19 is expected to result in extensive auroral displays and a limited blackout of HF radio communication. While radio contact might be temporarily lost for tens of minutes, the storm is not anticipated to cause any significant disruptions.
However, scientists and technology experts will closely monitor the situation as there could be a potential degradation of low-frequency navigation signals for a similar duration. Additionally, the geomagnetic storm may affect satellite operations and power grids, although the extent of these impacts remains uncertain.
As the date approaches, skywatchers and scientists are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the CME and the potential for breathtaking auroras to illuminate the night sky. The public is encouraged to stay updated on the progress of the geomagnetic storm and take advantage of this rare opportunity to witness the beauty of nature’s power in action.
Matzav Blog will provide further updates on this intriguing celestial event as more information becomes available.
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