NOAA Warns of a Severe Solar Storm Expected Today
Posted by: Corporal Punishment on 05/10/2024 03:39 AM
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Brace yourselves, earthlings! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a severe solar storm that will hit our planet today. The storm, expected to pack a punch, might disrupt everything from our beloved gadgets to GPS systems.
A solar storm is basically a big tantrum from the sun. It starts when the sun releases a massive burst of energy called a coronal mass ejection (CME). In this case, five CMEs combined into what they call a super-cluster. This CME sends a tsunami of charged particles hurtling toward Earth called a geomagnetic storm that, when large enough, can cause havoc to our electronics and communications.
According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), this solar storm is categorized as a G4 geomagnetic storm (severe) on their 5-level scale. . Historically, severe geomagnetic storms have wreaked havoc on Earth's technological systems. In March 1989, a G4-G5 storm triggered a massive blackout in Quebec, Canada, leaving over 6 million people without power while also damaging transformers in New Jersey. The October 2003 "Halloween Storms," another G4-G5 event, caused power outages in Sweden, disrupted satellite operations, and impacted aviation and oil drilling activities.
This is the first G4 warning since 2005. Here's what the event looked like:
Here’s what that could mean:
- Power Systems: Voltage irregularities may cause power systems to trip or alarms to go off.
- Satellites: Could mess up satellite navigation and cause increased drag on low-Earth-orbit satellites.
- Radio and GPS: Expect some high-frequency radio issues, degraded GPS accuracy, and possible radio blackouts.
- Auroras: The silver lining? Gorgeous auroras (Northern Lights) could be visible farther south than usual.
What Should You Do?
- Backup Power: Have backup power sources or batteries ready for your gadgets in case of outages.
- GPS Alternatives: Don’t rely solely on GPS for navigation.
- Satellite Alerts: Those with satellites should expect increased drag and be prepared.
What should you do with millennials?
Fair warning: If the power goes out, millennials and younger may be additionally stressed and unable to function without the Internet or communitcate without memes. So, help them through the moment and keep them occupied by perhaps creating flashlight shadow puppets, building an epic black fort, or dusting off a board game. Remember to continue to remind them that the Internet will come back soon and their Fortnite character is fine. Maybe make them a hot coco. This should help.
Want More Info?
NOAA’s SWPC will host a media call on Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m. EDT. Their experts will explain this solar storm and answer any burning questions. (Pun intended)
You can catch the briefing live on NOAA’s YouTube Channel.
A solar storm is basically a big tantrum from the sun. It starts when the sun releases a massive burst of energy called a coronal mass ejection (CME). In this case, five CMEs combined into what they call a super-cluster. This CME sends a tsunami of charged particles hurtling toward Earth called a geomagnetic storm that, when large enough, can cause havoc to our electronics and communications.
According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), this solar storm is categorized as a G4 geomagnetic storm (severe) on their 5-level scale. . Historically, severe geomagnetic storms have wreaked havoc on Earth's technological systems. In March 1989, a G4-G5 storm triggered a massive blackout in Quebec, Canada, leaving over 6 million people without power while also damaging transformers in New Jersey. The October 2003 "Halloween Storms," another G4-G5 event, caused power outages in Sweden, disrupted satellite operations, and impacted aviation and oil drilling activities.
This is the first G4 warning since 2005. Here's what the event looked like:
Here’s what that could mean:
- Power Systems: Voltage irregularities may cause power systems to trip or alarms to go off.
- Satellites: Could mess up satellite navigation and cause increased drag on low-Earth-orbit satellites.
- Radio and GPS: Expect some high-frequency radio issues, degraded GPS accuracy, and possible radio blackouts.
- Auroras: The silver lining? Gorgeous auroras (Northern Lights) could be visible farther south than usual.
What Should You Do?
- Backup Power: Have backup power sources or batteries ready for your gadgets in case of outages.
- GPS Alternatives: Don’t rely solely on GPS for navigation.
- Satellite Alerts: Those with satellites should expect increased drag and be prepared.
What should you do with millennials?
Fair warning: If the power goes out, millennials and younger may be additionally stressed and unable to function without the Internet or communitcate without memes. So, help them through the moment and keep them occupied by perhaps creating flashlight shadow puppets, building an epic black fort, or dusting off a board game. Remember to continue to remind them that the Internet will come back soon and their Fortnite character is fine. Maybe make them a hot coco. This should help.
Want More Info?
NOAA’s SWPC will host a media call on Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m. EDT. Their experts will explain this solar storm and answer any burning questions. (Pun intended)
You can catch the briefing live on NOAA’s YouTube Channel.
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