The Geomagnetic Storm of January 19: The Origin of the Phenomenon and What Could Happen

On January 19 and February 9, sun conditions are expected to be more active than on other days of these weeks, and capable of causing geomagnetic storms on the earth which they will reach on both dates R1 level According to the NOAA classification scale, the US Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration. The scale indicates the intensity of the storm generated by our star’s activity. R1 is the lowest level on a five-step ladder, and the highest is R5. At this level, extreme events occur capable of causing power outages for hours over vast areas of the Earth, right up to disrupting air navigation systems. Geomagnetic storms that reach our planet are in fact of energy flows composed of atomic particles (especially electrons and protons). These particles are generated by Bangs that occur on the surface of the sun and that we see from Earth as gods tinctures.

solar cycles

These spots Areas of different sizes with a stronger magnetic field and lower temperature than the surrounding area. indicates their number degree of solar activity next The average course is eleven years minimum and maximum moment. At the end of each cycle the celestial body’s magnetic field reverses: the north pole becomes south and vice versa. The mechanism driving the cycles is not yet resolved. We have now come to twenty five. If the spots were discovered by Galileo, the measurements started from the 18th century and the cycles were determined in the following century. Stream started in December 2019 And he will have his own Prime time is around the year 2025.

“crash” course

During the first months of 2020, the outlook suggested a moderate 25 cycle like the last four with a maximum of around 115 at peak activity. At the time there was talk of a trend towards less intensity. But with the passage of time the position of the celestial body has changed and solar astronomers are now talking about one Intensification of the phenomenon with an expected maximum of about 210/260 points.

What happens during a geomagnetic storm?

Moderate geomagnetic storms such as those on January 19 and February 9 occur on average About two thousand over the course While The maximum level R5 is generally only reached once. Therefore, on January 19th, you should mostly cause influences Slight fluctuations in the distribution of electricitybuild up northern lights while at higher latitudes Satellites should not be affected.

Effects on animals

According to some research, mammals such as Gray whales They would be able to use Earth’s magnetic fields to orient themselves: solar storms would interfere with their ability, which could be explained by some of the cetaceans’ leads. Even birds like robins would be able to sense changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, allowing them to know where they were and where they were headed: solar storms would interfere with this ability, confusing them.
We know for sure that other animals, such as sea turtles and salmon, migrate long distances underwater thanks to the perception of magnetic fields. This “super sense” has also been detected in creatures such as ants, bees, termites, and possibly some amphibians. However, we do not know if solar storms affect the orientation of these animals.