A colossal solar flare is expected to hit Earth tomorrow, potentially causing power outages and dazzling northern lights displays. The coronal mass ejection (CME), a massive solar explosion that sends streams of charged particles into space, erupted from the sun at 1:39 p.m. yesterday. Space weather forecasters categorized it as an M5.8 (moderate) flare, the second most powerful ranking on the scale.
Radio Blackout Already Triggered
The eruption from sunspot AR4436 has already triggered a radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean. While the CME is heading away from Earth, there is a chance it will brush past our planet in the early hours of tomorrow, according to the Met Office. More flares could follow as the sunspot rotates into Earth's strike zone, meaning any future ejections will be on a direct path toward us.
Potential Impacts on Technology
Solar flares can affect power grids and GPS systems. When solar particles hit Earth's magnetic bubble, they cause a geomagnetic storm, also known as a solar storm. These particles generate electrical currents and magnetic fields, which can damage spacecraft, pipelines, railroad tracks, and disrupt power grids. Communication blackouts primarily affect high-frequency radio waves used by ham radio and commercial aviation.
Jim Dale, a meteorologist with the British Weather Services, explained that blackouts occur because flares weaken radio waves. This is due to ionization within the ionosphere, the glowing layer where Earth meets space. The waves are blocked and dispersed. In worst-case scenarios, flares can affect satellites, power grid outputs, and GPS.
While your phone will likely remain functional, navigation systems may be knocked out. Earth's magnetosphere can be peeled back, exposing satellites in high altitudes, such as GPS satellites, to increased radiation. Satellites in low-Earth orbit are better protected but may experience signal dropouts and reboots.
Minor Storm Expected
Forecasters expect tomorrow's CME arrival to cause a G1-level geomagnetic storm, which is considered minor. Dale noted that G4 or G5 storms are the big ones, so blackouts should not be a major concern. Lisa Dyer, executive director of the GPS Innovation Alliance, reassured that past experiences show the system continues to function normally even during intense space weather. Satellites remain safe under extreme conditions, and operations should remain stable throughout the event.
Northern Lights Display
One positive side effect of the solar material is the creation of aurora borealis, or northern lights. When particles mingle with gases in Earth's atmosphere, they produce various colors: oxygen creates green or red light, while nitrogen produces blue and purple. This cosmic light show could be visible across northern Scotland tomorrow if skies are clear. AuroraWatch UK is currently reporting no significant geomagnetic activity.
The sun's activity follows an 11-year cycle, reaching its peak, called solar maximum, last year. During this period, the sun emits more flares than usual. That is why auroras were seen as far south as London last year, as powerful solar storms drive auroras further south.
