A solar storm hurtling from a hole in the Sun is expected to hit the Earth today (Wednesday, August 3).
Live Science reports that forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) said a minor G-1 geomagnetic storm might hit the planet.
The NOAA classifieds solar storms into five categories, and rest assured today's storm is the weakest of the five. Thank the lord.
According to SpaceWeather, the 'gaseous material is flowing from a southern hole in the sun's atmosphere’ and is expected to cause satellite, radio and electrical grids interruptions.
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The Daily Mail reports that the geomagnetic storm will also potentially create auroras over the Canadian and Alaskan skies, so make sure you get those phones out.
The Sun is reaching the peak of its 11-year-long cycle, which means there's going to be an increase in the frequency of solar eruptions heading towards Earth.
Australian National University astrophysicist and cosmologist Dr Brad Tucker told 7News: “These types of storms are not rare.
“Because the sun has an 11-year cycle, with periods of more or less activity, and at the moment there is more activity.”
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He added: “So while the disruption from this particular storm should be minimal, we do worry about these larger storms resulting in satellite interference.
“And this is a concern because, obviously, there are a whole lot of satellites up there.”
Last week, Director NASA’s Heliophysics Division Nicola Fox revealed in her blog that Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019, is currently experiencing rampant solar storms that will continue.
She said: “Solar events will continue to increase as we near solar maximum in 2025, and our lives and technology on Earth, as well as satellites and astronauts in space, will be impacted.”
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Last month, space weather expert Dr Tamitha Sko also predicted a ‘snake’ shaped filament’ that hit the Earth and caused intense auroras over the North American skies.
Residents in Washington and Seattle shared images of the sky's striking purple and green hues, leaving users stunned.
One person wrote: “I think you entered the ancestral plane dude! Really cool pictures.”
Another said: “WOAH.... What a sky.”
While another commented: “Stunner!”
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I don’t know about you, but I'll be having dinner outside tonight.
Charisa Bossinakis