If you intensify the geomagnetic storm taking place on Earth. Started as a G2 class geomagnetic stormintensified during the afternoon until it reached level G4 (severe). This was reported by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, which specifies that “Geomagnetic storm conditions reached G4 (severe) levels around 10:18 a.m. EDT”that is 4.18pm Italian time.
In its geomagnetic storm warning, the Space Weather Prediction Center is among the possible effects “more and more frequent problems in voltage control, normally mitigable. Greater possibility of anomalies or effects on satellite operations. Possible longer and more frequent periods of degradation of GPS signals”.
Aurora
This geomagnetic storm was generated by a coronal mass ejection (CME) that hit the Earth today, around 12 pm (Italian time). The solar plasma cloud was launched into space on June 25 by a filament magnetic erupting in the southern hemisphere of the Sun. Typically at the G4 level, the Northern Lights are visible from at least Alps and often also from other areas of the Northern Italy outside of inhabited centers. We will have to wait at least until 22.30-23 to hope to be able to see something, assuming that the intensity of the geomagnetic storm remains so.
What is a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)
And’coronal mass ejection (CME) is a massive emission of plasma and magnetic fields from the solar corona, its outer atmosphere. It is caused by a sudden release of stored magnetic energy. This can happen following a reorganization of the solar magnetic fields, often linked to sunspot activity. During a CME, the solar magnetic field distorts and releases huge amounts of charged matter, mainly protons and electrons, into the interplanetary environment. These emissions can travel through interplanetary space at varying speeds, from hundreds to thousands of km/s. When they reach Earth, CMEs can interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing geomagnetic storms. These storms can affect power grids, communications systems, and orbiting satellites. They also accelerate charged particles along Earth’s magnetic field lines, creating spectacular auroras.
What is a geomagnetic storm?
A storm geomagnetica It is an event caused by the interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and the solar windwhich is made up of charged particles coming from the Sun. When particularly intense, these interactions can cause disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere, with consequences for communications, electronic navigation systems and electrical grids.
The classification of geomagnetic storms from G1 to G5 is defined by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).
- G1 – Mild effects, with possible disturbances in satellite operations and high-frequency communications, but with low risk to electrical networks;
- G2 – Moderate effects, can cause disruptions in satellite communications, increase drag on GPS navigation systems and generate instability in power grids, especially at high latitudes;
- G3 – Significant effects, with possible radio blackouts in the polar regions, disturbances in GPS navigation and potential temporary damage to electricity grids;
- G4 – Severe effects, can cause extensive radio blackouts, disturbances in GPS navigation and damage to electrical networks leading to large-scale blackouts;
- G5 – Exceptionally severe effects, with the potential to damage satellites, disrupt global communications, disrupt GPS navigation, and cause widespread and prolonged blackouts in power grids.
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