Will a solar storm reach Earth? IGP explains what this phenomenon implies

The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Space Weather Prediction Center has reported that, as a result of the Sun’s coronal mass ejection phenomenon produced at the end of last week, a geomagnetic storm (solar storm) would be taking place. of moderate level (G1 or G2), which would be reaching our planet between today, July 19 and 21. What does this phenomenon imply?

The Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), attached to the Ministry of the Environment (Minam), indicates that the Geomagnetic storms can be classified according to their level of intensity, from a low level, defined as G1, to the extreme level of intensity called G5. For example, those of level G2 can affect radio signals and even some satellites.

This geomagnetic storm is expected to have only a mild to moderate impact, both on operations that satellites normally perform in their orbit around the Earth as in the signals of broadcasting services and GPS.

Is there any risk for Peru?

In the case of Peru, our country is very well protected naturally from the direct effects of a geomagnetic storm, since the terrestrial magnetic equator crosses the central part of our territory.

This is not the case of places located at high latitudes on Earth, such as Canada or Alaska, where auroras could be observed, which are harmless visual phenomena that can be seen in the sky. There is a possibility that they can also be observed in mid-latitudes, IGP alert.

It is important to mention that the Sun is currently entering its phase of increased activity, completing its eleven-year cycle between its maximum levels. So, an increase in the number of solar activity events is expected as we approach the year 2025 where the next maximum would be reached.

Consequences on Earth

For its part, NASA details in its website that, during a solar storm, explosions known as solar flares. Solar flares send tons of energy into space at the speed of light. Sometimes flares are accompanied by huge solar flares. These eruptions are called “coronal mass ejections.”

All this extra radiation can damage the satellites we use for communications and navigation, and can disrupt the operation of electrical networks, warns the space agency. Radiation from solar storms is also dangerous for astronauts in space.

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