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A solar flare from our host star has released a barrage of particles that are expected to hit Earth. Solar winds are currently traversing the 147 million kilometer path from the Sun and are likely to strike tomorrow. Experts have predicted that the flow of particles will likely cause an aurora in the North Pole when it does.
Astronomical site Space Weather said: “A narrow current of solar wind is approaching Earth. Estimated time of arrival: January 25.
“Gaseous matter flows out of a small hole in the sun’s atmosphere. Its impact could trigger a brief (one night only) episode of arctic aurora.”
Auroras are caused when the magnetosphere is bombarded by solar wind deflecting particles, causing stunning green and blue lights.
While this solar storm is not a cause for concern, some astronomers believe a major storm could strike and in a world so dependent on technology, the consequences could be devastating.
As such, the researchers called for better infrastructure to monitor the activity of the Sun.
A recent study by the Institute of Science and Technology in Skolkovo, Russia, said: “A major solar storm could cut off electricity, television broadcasts, the Internet and radio communications, causing significant cascading effects in many areas of life.
“According to some experts, the damage from such an extreme event could cost up to several trillions of dollars and the restoration of infrastructure and the economy could take up to 10 years.
“Thus, understanding and forecasting the most dangerous extreme events is of paramount importance for the protection of society and technology against the global vagaries of space weather.”
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The study’s first author, Dr Jenny Marcela Rodríguez Gómez, said: “Understanding the characteristics of extreme solar flares and extreme space weather events can help us better understand the dynamics and variability of the Sun as well as the physical mechanisms behind these events. “
Skoltech researcher Tatiana Podladchikova added: “Our modern technological society needs to take this seriously, study extreme space weather events, and understand all the intricacies of Sun-Earth interactions.
“And whatever storms may rage, we wish everyone good weather in space.”
A powerful solar flare could have the potential to make technology on our planet redundant, and experts are now warning that we should take the threat more seriously.
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For the most part, Earth’s magnetic field shields humans from the barrage of radiation that comes from sunspots, but solar storms can affect satellite technology.
Solar winds can heat the Earth’s outer atmosphere, causing it to expand.
This can affect satellites in orbit, potentially leading to a lack of GPS navigation, cell phone signal and satellite TV like Sky.
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