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As if we don’t have enough worries here on Earth, the sun is starting to act.
A sunspot, officially called AR2859, erupted in a magnificent explosion on Tuesday. Solar activity is part of a multi-day event that could cause what is called a “coronal mass ejection” to the planet.
Coronal mass ejection, abbreviated CME, is a mixture of plasma and magnetic field released when pressure builds up around sunspots.
Here’s what Tuesday’s rash looked like:
Astronomers around the world have taken note of this, as they do with any type of activity on the surface of the sun. British scientists have signaled that it is still too early to say whether Tuesday’s surge will reach Earth.
However, the CME of an eruption earlier in the week will likely reach Earth around August 27. When the CME hits Earth, it can trigger geomagnetic storms.
The Northern Lights, seen from space.
Courtesy of NASAThe CME currently heading towards Earth is only expected to cause a geomagnetic storm G1, the lowest gravity of a five-level gauge, according to British scientists.
In a G1 storm, the CME can cause minor fluctuations in the power grid, create satellite problems and disorient migrating animals, according to the Canadian project Northern Lighthouse.
The most common effect of CME? Dawn. Each solar storm brings bright lights to the northern hemisphere.
Intimidating, yes, but a G1 geomagnetic storm is quite common – occurring over 150 times a year. But they are really beautiful every time.
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