Sun's fiery dance: Storms and auroras reach new heights
The Sun has entered a period of maximum activity in its 11-year cycle, leading to changes in space weather. This phase allows scientists to study our star and observe auroras. However, we must also be aware of the potential consequences.
9:19 AM EDT, October 21, 2024
The American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the International Solar Cycle Prediction Panel have announced that the Sun is in the maximum activity phase of its 11-year cycle. This cycle involves changes in the Sun's magnetic field as the star's poles switch places regularly.
Scientists study the cycle's progress by observing dark spots on the Sun, which are linked to magnetic field activity. Jamie Favors, director of NASA’s Space Weather Program, explains that sunspots increase during the solar maximum, leading to heightened solar activity.
"This increase in activity provides an exciting opportunity to learn about our closest star − but also causes real effects at Earth and throughout our solar system," Favors emphasizes.
He explains that space weather is extremely important for astronauts, satellites, navigation systems, and power grids. It is also responsible for strong auroras. In 1989, a phenomenon known as the "Quebec Blackout" occurred when a strong electromagnetic storm caused a power grid failure in Quebec for 12 hours. The effects were felt worldwide, shutting down airports and subway systems. Solar storms can also disrupt radio or GPS signals, paralyzing many economic sectors.
Strong solar storms
NASA specialists note that in May this year, the Sun ejected powerful streams of charged particles toward Earth, resulting in the most powerful geomagnetic storm in two decades and possibly some of the strongest auroras in 500 years.
Astronomers have been tracking solar cycles for hundreds of years, with sunspots first observed by Galileo in the 17th century. Each solar cycle is different; some reach their peak with greater intensity and in a shorter time, while others have smaller but longer-lasting peaks.
Although it is known that the Sun is currently in its most active period, it is not yet certain when its peak will occur. Determining this will require months or even years of observation, as the peak can only be identified after a prolonged decline in solar activity.
The current maximum period is expected to last about another year. So far, the largest solar storm associated with it occurred on October 9, prompting much discussion about opportunities to observe auroras. Specialists expect further storms that will cause auroras and, unfortunately, impact Earth's technology. The high solar activity could lead to numerous discoveries about our star. The NASA Parker Solar Probe, which will get significantly closer to the Sun, can aid in this research.
