science

Space weather forecast: Solar storm to hit TODAY causing stunning aurora borealis


The Earth is set to be blasted with solar winds as our planet has entered a co-rotating interaction region (CIR), with northern lights due the following day. A CIR is an region where different solar winds are travelling at fast and slow speeds. This could mean parts of the northern hemisphere could be treated to dazzling aurora borealis on March 28.

Cosmic forecasting website Space Weather said: “Later today, March 27th, a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) is expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field.

“CIRs are transition zones between slow- and fast-moving streams of solar wind. They contain shock-like density gradients and compressed magnetic fields that often do a good job sparking Arctic auroras.

“A high-speed stream of solar wind following behind the CIR could cause G1-class geomagnetic storms on March 28th.”

Auroras, which include northern lights – aurora borealis – and southern lights – aurora australis, are caused when solar particles hit the atmosphere.

As the magnetosphere gets bombarded by solar winds, stunning blue lights can appear as that layer of the atmosphere deflects the particles.

For the most part, the Earth’s magnetic field protects humans from the barrage of radiation, but solar storms can affect satellite-based 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, mobile phone signal and satellite TV such as Sky.

Additionally, a surge of particles can lead to high currents in the magnetosphere, which can lead to higher than normal electricity in power lines, resulting in electrical transformers and power stations blow outs and a loss of power.

The higher amounts of radiation also leave people vulnerable to cancer.



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