A strong and sudden geomagnetic storm that surprises the Earth

a Storm Geomagnetic He surprised the Earth in the last few hours. Earth's magnetic field is still experiencing the effects of the impact of a cloud of solar plasma, a coronal mass ejection (CME) yesterday. “An unexpectedly strong geomagnetic storm was produced,We read on the specialized website SpaceWeather.com, edited by astrophysicist Tony Phillips. “The first contact with CME was normal, and the storm did not start immediately. However, solar magnetic fields following a coronal ejection became linked to Earth's magnetic field. The storm has begun and it has begun quickly Condensate. Storm levels reached G3“Around 9pm Italian time.

This short but intense event was produced twilight red At mid latitudes. Dan Bush captured the view from Albany, Missouri (latitude +40 north).

“The show lasted more than an hour at around 10:00 UTC,Dan Bush said. “The red color was not visible to the naked eye, but it was easy to catch with my sky camera“.

Bush wasn't sure at that moment if it could have been a red aurora, or alternatively, a search-and-rescue arc. “The red SAR arcs are caused by the loss of thermal energy into the atmosphere from the Earth's circulating current system,“Instead, it's about 'Authentic red aurora. Shape and dynamics are crucial“.

The storm is now starting to lose intensity, but this may only be a short respite.

New geomagnetic storm warning, more coronal ejection on the way

The CME effect that occurred in the last few hours may be the first of a series. Many of the faint coronal ejections that left the Sun earlier this week are generally on a collision course with Earth. None of them are particularly fast or powerful.But their collective impact can cause Several geomagnetic storms starting on April 21,SpaceWeather.com notes.

What is coronal mass ejection (CME)?

a'Coronal mass ejection (Continuing medical education) is a massive emission of matter from solar plasma in the corona, the outer region of the Sun, and these events are often associated with intense magnetic phenomena, such as solar flares. When the Sun's magnetic field undergoes extreme changes, there is a strong acceleration of charged particles, which can be protons and electrons, within the solar corona. These particles are launched into interplanetary space at very high speeds, even reaching several million kilometers per hour.

Coronal emissions can greatly affect the space environment around Earth. When they strike the Earth's magnetosphere, they cause geomagnetic storms, with potential consequences such as disrupting communications, damaging orbiting satellites, and disabling navigation systems. Furthermore, charged particles can also pose a danger to astronauts and space equipment.

What is a geomagnetic storm?

a Storm Geomagnetic It is a change in the Earth's magnetic field resulting from increased interactions between the Sun's magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic field. Classification of geomagnetic storms according to Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) from Noah Depends on a scale ranging from G1 (minimum) a G5 (maximum), where G3 It represents a moderate storm.

Category G3 storms They are associated with increased solar activity, such as the arrival of a particularly strong CME (coronal mass ejection). During G3, effects such as increased ground induced currents can occur, which can increase the load on power grids and transformers, leading to temporary power outages. In addition, there can be interference with radio communications and GPS systems, increasing the risks to astronauts in orbit.

What is red aurora and why is it special?

to'Red dawn It is an atmospheric luminous phenomenon that occurs near the Earth's magnetic poles during geomagnetic storms. Unlike the more common shades of green, rose or Violathe red aurora appears in the form of a Outstanding band Red extends into the night sky.

Its origin is related private to express chemistry Atmosphere and high energy of solar particles. When charged particles from the solar wind collide with Earth's atmosphere, they excite oxygen and nitrogen atoms to high altitudes. Red aurora results from the excitation of oxygen atoms at altitudes greater than 200 km, while the most common aurora occurs between 80 and 150 km.

The presence of oxygen at high altitudes and the energy of solar particles are necessary to produce red aurora, which is therefore rarer than other shades. This phenomenon is special not only for her beauty But also because it offers us aImportant window In studying the interactions between the solar wind and the Earth's atmosphere, which contributes to our understanding of the solar system and atmospheric processes.