Solar storm expected over the weekend: what it is and what it can cause

Estimated speed is 691 km/s. It could cause internet connection problems. The Space Weather Prediction Center has reported possible Type II emissions for August 27, 28 and 29.

Solar storms are expected over the weekend that could cause some problems on Earth as well. Reporting this is the Space Weather Prediction Center and the phenomena could occur on August 27, 28 and 29. Type II emissions occur in association with solar flares and typically indicate that a coronal mass ejection is linked to a flare event. In some cases, they can cause disruptions or malfunctions of internet networks and satellite systems.

The solar storm on August 27, 28 and 29

On August 26, solar wind speeds showed a gradual decrease from 410 to 370 km/s, while on August 27, they are expected to increase with the possibility of Class C flares between Saturday and Monday. Solar storms are caused by high-energy particle streams from the sun, triggered by sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The Space Weather Prediction Center reported that there are currently 3 sunspot regions observed. Back in July, a solar storm occurred, but it did not touch Earth. When they occur, these phenomena can cause disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere of a temporary nature with some adverse effects on humans.

The wind produced by solar storms releases radiation similar to low-energy nuclear radiation. The strong emission of matter from the Sun's corona generates high-energy particles that can strike the Earth's magnetic field 24 to 36 hours after the coronal mass ejection. This could cause a malfunction of the radio communication systems at all latitudes and of the world wide web up to real blackouts of variable duration. To suffer damages can be also the Gps navigation systems. Consequences can also occur to satellite systems because, with the solar storm, the layers of warmer air rise and increases the density at which satellites orbit, which could move and approach the Earth's surface with a consequent high risk of being burned. All eventual problems would be however temporary and largely solvable.

Among the interesting phenomena of the solar system there is the one of the Earth that gradually reduces its rotation speed, while on the ice cap in Greenland rain has been observed for the first time.

Stefania Bernardini