Solar Storm + Earth’s Magnetic Field=Auroras Galore (19459000) Solar storms are intense, but not as frightening (for Earth as you may think). Javier Zayas Photography / Getty Images.
The Carrington Event in 1859 was the strongest global solar storm ever recorded. Effects were felt around the globe. The telegraph systems of Europe and North America were affected, with some catching fire. The Caribbean was able to see bright auroras that are normally restricted to the polar region. The auroras were so brilliant in the polar areas that people believed it to be daytime even in the middle night. Solar storms are common, but severe solar storms occur only every 100 to 200 years. What are these solar-powered cosmic events? How can scientists safeguard the Earth against space weather? Let’s get started.
What are Solar Storms (Solar Storms)? Solar storms, also known as space weather disturbances caused by sudden energy bursts from the Sun
are caused when solar flares occur. Solar flares, powerful explosions at the surface of the Sun, and coronal masses ejections are examples. These send huge clouds charged particles hurtling through the solar system. The storms occur at their most intense levels during solar maximum (the peak of Sun’s 11-year cycle), when the sunspots are the highest. In this time, geomagnetic disturbances are more frequent on Earth, and some can cause radiation belts or temporary changes to existing belts.
To better understand the effects of these solar explosions, scientists are continuously monitoring them.
Southern lights. Photograph by J / Getty Images – Chasing light
Solar storms can interact with Earth’s magnetic field to create dazzling displays at the North Pole and South Pole, better known as aurora autralis and aurora borealis, respectively. The colorful displays are caused by charged particles that slammed into the upper atmospheric layer, causing atoms to be excited and produce vibrant greens, purples, and reds. These lights are visible farther from the poles the more intense the storm. It’s not just breathtaking night skys. These storms can cause disruptions to Earth’s upper atmospheric layer if they are powerful enough. Solar storms are also capable of causing havoc with technology. Geomagnetic storms that are strong enough can damage satellites and disrupt radio communication. Geomagnetic storms can disrupt electrical grids in extreme situations, such as the 1989 Quebec event which knocked power out. The space agencies monitor solar activity and warn us of major storms that are heading our way.
The Mystery of Extra Radiation Belts Scientists have found that temporary radiation belts form during intense periods of solar activity.
NASA’s Van Allen Probes Mission discovered a third temporary radiation belt in 2012 as a result of NASA’s Van Allen Probes. Scientists wondered at first if new radiation belts could be created. It lasted only about four weeks, before being disrupted. Even though these additional proton belts are only temporary, they can still pose a threat to astronauts and satellites that travel beyond the protective magnetic field of our planet.
Solar Storms and the Future.
The Northern Lights. Steffen Schnur/Getty Images
Solar activity will increase as we near the next solar max, which means more chances to see the aurora borealis, even farther away from the polar regions. The beauty of the aurora borealis is accompanied by the possibility for disruption. We can protect technology and infrastructure better if we know more about solar storms and winds. Van Allen Probes, along with other research projects continue to reveal new information about the interaction between Earth’s magnetic fields and solar energy. Researchers are learning how to predict future solar storms by studying the effect of the Sun’s power on the magnetic fields around Earth. This article was created using AI, and then fact-checked by HowStuffWorks editors.
