Severe G4 Geomagnetic storm hits Earth! Solar storm could spark radio blackouts, auroral displays

tech.hindustantimes.com:

In a recent alert from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Earth experienced a severe G4 geomagnetic storm on Sunday, indicating potential disruptions to radio communications. The NOAA emphasised that while the storm may fluctuate in intensity, ranging from lower levels to severe conditions, there's no need for panic among the public. However, staying informed about the storm's progression via NOAA's webpage is encouraged.

The NOAA's alert notifies infrastructure operators to take mitigating actions against possible impacts, including increased voltage control problems and potential effects on satellite operations. The severity of the storm, hitting the G4 level on the NOAA's 5-point scale, arrived earlier than anticipated, reaching its threshold at 16:28 UTC.

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Jonathan Lash, a forecaster at the center, highlighted potential impacts on high-frequency radio transmissions, particularly those crucial for aircraft communication with distant traffic control towers. While most commercial aircraft have satellite transmission as a backup, satellite operators may face challenges in tracking their spacecraft, and power grids might experience induced currents in their lines, although within manageable levels.

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Lash also pointed out a silver lining for skygazers, especially those at higher latitudes,

suggesting that clear night skies during geomagnetic storms offer an excellent opportunity to witness the aurora borealis illuminating the heavens.

Geomagnetic storms, such as this one, have the potential to create dazzling displays of the aurora borealis over the Northern Hemisphere. Before the storm's arrival, satellites detected solar flares and coronal mass ejections emitted from the Sun on Friday, contributing to the atmospheric disturbance.

For those unfamiliar with coronal mass