Dangerous solar storm to strike tomorrow as slow moving CME rushes towards Earth
The new year has started with a flurry of solar storms thrown out by the Sun towards the Earth. After being struck with solar storms on both December 31 and January 1, it was reported that yet another solar storm was brewing on the Sun. And now, it is nearing close to our planet as researchers predict that the dangerous solar storm will reach Earth tomorrow, January 2. Interestingly, this solar storm will be caused by slow-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) particles which were released by the Sun on December 30. So, what could happen when this storm strikes the Earth? Read on to find out.
The development was reported by SpaceWeather.com which noted on its website, “Minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are possible on Jan. 4th when a slow-moving CME is expected to hit Earth's magnetic field. It was hurled in our direction by an M3.7-class solar flare in the magnetic canopy of sunspot AR3176 on Dec. 30th”. It should be noted that CME particles travel much slower compared to solar winds and that's why they take longer to reach the Earth.
According to the current prediction, the solar storm will be limited to G1-class, however, a rip in the planet's magnetosphere can amplify even the minor solar storms to a more intense form. At its current stage, not much is expected from these magnetic disturbances. Apart from aurora formation, they can often disrupt GPS systems and radio communication over the region with the highest concentration of the magnetic fields. This can lead to delays in flight and ship timings.
The strongest solar storms (which can be as high as G5-class) can damage satellites, impact mobile networks and internet connectivity as well as cause power grid failure. Although, healthwise, humans will not be directly
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