Solar Storm Alert: What You Need to Know
A massive solar storm is heading our way, warned the Spanish Space Agency on Monday. This storm is the result of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that occurred on May 30 and reached Earth on Sunday.
The agency’s warning mentioned “high levels of solar activity” recorded during the early hours of Sunday, June 1. According to the official information, this solar flare could cause power grid disruptions, radio communication interference, and temporary GPS navigation errors. It may also affect satellites in low orbit.
The NASA has been monitoring the situation from its Space Weather Prediction Center and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency shared a representation of the CME’s impact on the northern hemisphere, generated by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) software.
Despite the precautions, no severe consequences have been observed so far. The impact has been moderate, with a geomagnetic index of Kp 8, considered a severe storm level. However, the Spanish Space Agency warns of a possible new intensification in the next 24 hours.
The NOAA also shares the same caution, reminding us that power grid disruptions, GPS failures, and satellite malfunctions are possible. They also predict that aurora borealis may be visible in some areas.
What is a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)?
A CME is a large cloud of plasma and magnetic field that the Sun expels into space. It can travel at speeds of up to 500 kilometers per second and affect the Earth’s magnetic field.
These eruptions occur when the Sun’s activity peaks, which is the current situation. The NOAA explains that CMEs are the most violent explosions in our solar system, comparable to a cannon blast.
Will We See Aurora Borealis in Europe?
People in the US have shared images of aurora borealis in states like Alabama, North Carolina, and Illinois. The NASA has identified strategic locations where these northern lights may be visible.
In Europe, it seems that we will not be able to see aurora borealis, although some people claim to have spotted them in northern Scotland and Norway. The situation is bittersweet, as the spectacle comes with severe consequences for our climate and atmosphere.