They issue a new alert for a geomagnetic storm in the next few hours

Experts have issued a new alert for a geomagnetic storm in the next few hours, after a G5 solar storm, the most powerful of all, was recorded a few days ago.

It may interest you: Beautiful! Aurora lights up New Zealand skies due to solar storm

This event impacted Earth, causing radio blackouts and incredible northern lights at lower latitudes. Now, there is a possibility that this phenomenon will be repeated in the coming hours.

For the third night in a row, curious people from all over the world will have the opportunity to admire magnificent northern lights caused by a historic solar storm.

Two images of what I thought were the best, though short-lived, moments of the May 10 aurora show. A tall colourful curtain appeared quickly in the south, then later the zenith exploded for just a minute in a bright corona display. From southern Alberta. Details in the Alt Text. pic.twitter.com/tnu1ygPhbS

— Alan Dyer (@amazingskyguy) May 11, 2024

From Austria to California, and from Russia to New Zealand, social media has been filled with photographs illuminated in shades of blue, orange and pink since the start of the weekend.

This phenomenon, visible even in the southern hemisphere in Tierra del Fuego, Argentinais caused by the ejections of particles from the Sun, which trigger geomagnetic storms when they reach the Earth.

According to the US Oceanic and Atmospheric Observation Agency (NOAA), conditions associated with a level 5 geomagnetic storm were observed, the maximum on the scale used, both on Friday and Saturday night, for the first time in 20 years.

Although the auroras on Saturday night were weaker than those on Friday, the phenomenon should continue on Sunday, according to the agency.

“A new, large solar storm is on its way to Earth and is expected to arrive today, stay tuned!” wrote Eric Lagadec, astrophysicist at the Côte d’Azur Observatory, on the X social network.

A new solar storm is coming, I don’t know what time yet, I’m keeping an eye out! pic.twitter.com/fUIRH1yadE

— Eric Lagadec (@EricLagadec) May 12, 2024

The intensity of this phenomenon “took everyone a little by surprise.” The authorities expressed concern about the possible consequences on electrical and communications networks, but so far no major disturbances have been observed.

According to the United States Space Weather Prediction Center, only “irregularities in the electrical grid” have been recorded, as well as “degradation of high frequency communications, GPS and possibly satellite navigation.”

For your partChina’s National Space Weather Center also issued a red alert on Saturday, warning of the possibility of the solar storm affecting communications and navigation systems, according to state news agency Xinhua.

What is a geomagnetic storm?

A geomagnetic storm is a phenomenon caused by disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field.usually triggered by coronal mass ejections (CME) or powerful solar flares.

You can also read: What are solar storms and how do they affect the Earth?

It took a bit longer to make it all the way down here but the G5 certainly delivered… pic.twitter.com/yr8pct3UE2

— Kevin Zagorski (but colder) (@KevZag) May 11, 2024

These disturbances can alter the Earth’s magnetic field and cause variations in geomagnetic activity.. Effects can include bright auroras at lower latitudes than usual, interference with radio communications and power grids, and even damage to satellites and navigation systems.

Auroras can present different colors depending on the gases present in the atmosphere and the altitude at which the interaction occurs. Oxygen at higher altitudes can produce red or green auroras, while nitrogen at lower altitudes can create blue or purple auroras.

CHECK THE BREAKING NEWS HERE

*brc