Electromagnetic storms, also known as geomagnetic storms, are natural phenomena that affect the Earth’s magnetic field, basically due to the interaction with charged particles coming from the Sun.
These events are part of space weather according to NASA, and can have a significant impact on technology and various Earth systems.
Its effects can be wide and varied.
Now, What causes these types of storms, how are they detected and what impact do they have?
Causes of electromagnetic storms
NASA explains that electromagnetic storms are triggered primarily by the solar wind, a continuous stream of charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, that the Sun emits into space.
When these particles reach the Earth, they interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing disturbances.
Solar flares or coronal mass ejections or CMEs (for its acronym in English: Coronal Mass Ejection), which are large bubbles of plasma and magnetic fields that are expelled from the Sunwhen interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field, generate intense geomagnetic storms, according to the space agency.
During a geomagnetic storm, The Earth’s magnetic field is distorted due to interaction with the solar wind.
This distortion can result in a range of visible and detectable effects, from bright auroras in the skies to disruptions in sensitive technological systems.
Impact of storms
One of the most visible effects is auroras, which can be seen at lower latitudes than usual during a geomagnetic storm.
However, electromagnetic storms can also have more serious consequences.
They can interfere with radio communications and affect GPS navigation systems.causing errors in location and timing, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
In addition, geomagnetic storms can induce electrical currents in power grids, potentially damaging transformers and other equipment, which can lead to large-scale blackouts.
In some cases, these storms can also have effects on satellites in orbit, damaging their electronic components and affecting their operation.
The ability to predict and understand these storms is crucial to mitigating these risks and protecting technological infrastructure, says NOAA.
Historical event
The Carrington solar storm It is the most powerful geomagnetic event recorded in history.
It occurred in 1859 and was named after the English astronomer Richard Carringtonwho observed and documented an intense solar flare that preceded the storm. This event is a landmark in the history of solar storms due to its intensity and global effects.
On September 1, 1859, Richard Carrington and astronomer Richard Hodgson independently observed an explosion of white light on the surface of the Sun.
This solar flare was an extremely powerful coronal mass ejection that launched a huge amount of plasma and charged particles towards Earth.
Las Solar particles reached Earth in about 17 hours, much faster than the typical travel time of 3 to 4 days.The effects were immediate and spectacular, with intense northern and southern lights visible at latitudes as low as the Caribbean and Hawaii.
Although the technology of the time was limited, telegraph systems were severely affected.
Read also: Solar halo: images and Insivumeh’s explanation of the natural spectacle that surprises Guatemalans
Monitoring and prediction
To predict and manage the impact of geomagnetic storms, space agencies such as the NASAthe NOAA and the European Space Agencycarry out continuous monitoring of space weather.
They use a variety of instruments and satellites to observe the Sun and the space environment, analyzing the data to predict when and how storms might occur.
Alerts and forecasts provided by these centers allow industries and government agencies to prepare and take preventive measures to protect critical systems.
Tracking electromagnetic storms is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of space physics and meteorology.
For more information on electromagnetic storms and space weather, you can also consult the following specialized sites:
- Introduction: In the case of Guatemala, it is the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh) that reports on the possible effects that geomagnetic storms may have in Guatemala.
- NASA: Provides detailed information on research into the Sun and space weather. (
- NOAA: Provides forecasts and warnings on space weather and geomagnetic storms.
- ESA: Provides information on space weather research and monitoring by the European Space Agency. (
- Space.com: A useful resource for news and articles about space events and space weather. (
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