Starlink recently lost 40 satellites after they were caught in a geomagnetic storm the day after their launch. However, because the satellites were planned to burn up on re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, no space debris was formed. This single solar flare has been described as “unprecedented” and “massive”. This article will further elaborate on Geomagnetic Storms. The information gained will be useful in the Geography of GS Paper-1 of the UPSC IAS Exam.
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About Geomagnetic Storms
- A Magnetic storm or popularly known as Geomagnetic Storm is a brief disruption in the Earth’s magnetosphere. The magnetosphere is a shield that protects our planet from dangerous solar and cosmic particle radiation, as well as solar wind erosion – the continual flow of charged particles pouring from the Sun.
- When occurrences such as solar flares send higher-than-normal levels of radiation towards Earth, geomagnetic storms occur. When this radiation interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, a geomagnetic storm occurs.
- The frequency of occurrence of geomagnetic storms varies with the sunspot cycle, which causes significant changes in the currents, plasmas, and fields in the Earth’s magnetosphere.
- Geomagnetic storms are more common at solar maximum, with Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) being the primary cause. Usually, the magnetosphere is compressed first, as the solar wind pressure rises.
Examples of Geomagnetic Storms
- A geomagnetic storm is connected with or causes a number of space weather events. Some Examples can be-
- Solar Energetic Particles (SEP), Ionospheric disruptions generating radar and radio scintillation, Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GIC), Magnetic Compass Disruption, and Auroral Displays at latitudes far lower than typical.
- The Carrington Event, the biggest reported geomagnetic storm, struck in September 1859, knocking down sections of the newly built US telegraph network, causing fires and frightening some telegraph operators.
- A geomagnetic storm generated ground produced currents in 1989, resulting in power outages throughout most of Quebec and Auroras as far south as Texas.
Cause of Geomagnetic Storms
- The magnetic storm might be caused by a less severe Co-rotating Interaction Region (CIR) which is a high-speed stream of solar wind emerging from a coronal hole or solar Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
- The solar wind’s magnetic field interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, releasing additional energy into the magnetosphere.
- Both interactions increase plasma mobility in the magnetosphere and electric current in the magnetosphere and ionosphere (owing to greater electric fields inside the magnetosphere).
- Electric current in the magnetosphere provides a magnetic force that pushes the magnetosphere-solar wind barrier outward during the main phase of a geomagnetic storm.
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Effects of Geomagnetic Storms on Earth
- Solar storms have the ability to interrupt the operation of space-dependent technologies such as GPS, radio, and satellite communications. Flights, electricity networks, and space exploration programmes are all at risk.
- Solar flares/storms, Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs), Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and high-speed solar winds occurring close to Earth can all have an impact on space weather in near-Earth space and the upper atmosphere. It is important to note that not all solar flares reach Earth.
- Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) with ejectiles loaded with mass travelling at millions of miles per hour have the potential to damage the magnetosphere, the Earth’s protective barrier.
- Astronauts performing spacewalks may be exposed to solar radiation beyond the Earth’s protective atmosphere, posing health concerns.
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Prediction of Solar Storms
A solar storm is a term used to describe the atmospheric impacts that are apparent on Earth as a result of specific occurrences on the Sun’s surface. Learn more about the Solar Storms and their types in the linked article. Solar Storms can be predicted by:
- Solar physicists and other scientists deploy computer models to forecast solar storms and other solar activity.
- Current models can forecast the arrival timing and pace of a storm. However, the structure or orientation of the storm cannot be foreseen.
Certain magnetic field orientations can cause the magnetosphere to respond more intensely, resulting in more violent magnetic storms. Thus, with the increasing worldwide reliance on satellites for nearly every activity, improved space weather forecasts and more efficient measures to safeguard satellites are required.
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