Geomagnetic storm
Date: 26 April 2022 Tags: SpaceIssue
A strong geomagnetic storm recently hit the earth, according to space-monitoring agencies. It is expected to cause impact on earth.
Details
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Disturbance is earth’s magnetosphere is called geomagnetic storm. The area is controlled by magnetic field and protects earth’s inhabitants.
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The solar mass ejections strike earth’s magnetosphere and interact strongly with earth’s own magnetic field.
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The changes in magnetic field results in solar particles travelling down the magnetic field lines, and hit the atmosphere near poles.
Effects
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Solar winds have great effect on earth’s magnetosphere. Solar wind variations can cause geomagnetic storms on earth.
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Decline in earth’s magnetic field strength can be observed. This lasts for about 6-12 hours and recovers gradually.
Sunspots
Sunspots are cool areas on sun’s surface. They are formed when strong magnetic field cool the surface. They appear dark on bright surface.
Coronal mass ejections
Expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from sun’s corona is called as coronal mass ejections. Plasma is a highly ionised gas on the sun.
Dangers associated with geomagnetic storm
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Geomagnetic storm has effects on long-range radio communication and global positioning system devices.
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Satellites, electronics, astronauts and high-altitude pilots can be affected due to high levels of radiation.
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Power supply can be affected and outages caused as a result of voltage surges due to altered magnetic activity.
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The northern light, Aurora borealis, are also intensified due to geomagnetic storms. They will be visible brighter in the skies of higher latitudes.