A massive solar storm commenced its assault on Earth on 10 May 2024, heralding possible disruptions to satellites and power grids, while also promising mesmerizing auroras as it gains momentum.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the first of numerous coronal mass ejections (CMEs) began hitting Earth in the early afternoon, US eastern time. These CMEs, characterized by the expulsion of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, are expected to induce severe geomagnetic storm conditions throughout the weekend.
"This event coincides with the Sun's peak activity in its 11-year cycle, amplifying its impact," stated space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl during a press briefing. Dahl further emphasized the coordination efforts with infrastructure operators, including satellite and communication companies, as well as power grids across North America.
Despite the potential for disruption, the US Federal Aviation Administration reassured the public via social media that significant impacts on the national airspace system were not anticipated.
Unlike solar flares, which swiftly reach Earth at the speed of light, CMEs maintain a slower pace, averaging at 800 kilometers per second. The current storm involves up to seven CMEs originating from a vast sunspot cluster, presenting a phenomenon 16 times wider than Earth itself.
According to space physics professor Mathew Owens from the University of Reading, the effects of the solar storm will predominantly manifest over the northern and southern latitudes, with the extent of impact contingent upon the storm's final intensity.
Owens advised, "Go outside tonight and look," especially for residents in northern Canada, Scotland, and analogous locations in the southern hemisphere. He encouraged skywatchers to observe the spectacular auroras and, if equipped with eclipse glasses, to search for the sunspot cluster during daylight hours.
In the United States, the auroras may extend as far south as Northern California and Alabama, as noted by officials. Brent Gordon of NOAA encouraged individuals to capture the night sky using phone cameras, as modern devices can often reveal celestial phenomena not discernible to the naked eye.
Images: AFP/Olivier Morin, AFP/Rosanna Normanton
As Earth braces for the celestial spectacle and potential disruptions, enthusiasts and scientists alike eagerly await the unfolding of this extraordinary event in the night sky.
