Global awe and disruptions: The far‑reaching impacts of solar storms
We are currently witnessing some exceptional astronomical phenomena. The photographs circulated on social media over the past weekend garnered massive attention. However, solar storms represent an anomaly that impacts more than just the aesthetic of our skies.
11:02 AM EDT, May 12, 2024
A geomagnetic storm results from disturbances caused by coronal mass ejections from the Sun, which occur during solar flares. These phenomena induce violent fluctuations in the solar wind's physical parameters.
They lead to notable changes in currents, plasma, and the magnetic field enveloping our planet. When billions of tons of plasma are propelled into space, anomalies within the magnetic field also result.
Magnetic storms: Anomalies felt around the world
Magnetic storms captivate us with the breathtaking phenomenon known as the aurora borealis and impact numerous facets of daily life. It turns out they can disrupt the operations of the Starlink satellite system.
In a post on the X platform, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink had been affected by solar material reaching Earth. He described the storm as one of the "largest" recorded recently. Musk also expressed relief that, despite the satellites being "under great pressure," they managed to function well.
However, it's not only technological devices that suffer from the effects of a geomagnetic storm. Living organisms are also affected.
Researchers are still investigating this phenomenon. Among the hypotheses being explored is the possibility that changes in the magnetic field might also influence our psychological and nervous systems.
One of Earth's strongest recorded geomagnetic storms occurred in September 1859. It caused widespread failures in telegraph networks across Europe and North America, with sparks even igniting telegraph papers. The aurora borealis was seen worldwide, with newspapers reporting that the light was so bright at night in the Rocky Mountains that it woke gold miners, who mistook it for morning and began preparing breakfast.
