Solar storm 2024, aurora lights, northern lights: How long these events will continue?

Solar storm has hogged all the limelight after disrupting satellites and power grids but creating stunning auroras or "northern lights". Powerful and severe geomagnetic storm conditions are likely to continue into Sunday. This comes as the Sun approaches the peak of an 11-year cycle that brings heightened activity.

Aurora Lights/Northern Lights

The first of several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) -- large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun -- arrived in the early afternoon on Friday, US eastern time, the Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.

A powerful solar storm -- which could continue into Sunday -- has triggered spectacular celestial shows usually confined to the far northern reaches of the planet, hence their nickname of the "northern lights".

Solar Storm Impact

Fluctuating magnetic fields associated with geomagnetic storms induce currents in long wires, including power lines, which can potentially lead to blackouts. Long pipelines can also become electrified, leading to engineering problems. Spacecraft are also at risk from high doses of radiation, though the atmosphere prevents this from reaching Earth, as per an AFP report.

Officials said people should have the normal backup plans in place for power outages, such as having flashlights, batteries and weather radios at hand.

Solar Storm, Geomagnetic Storms History

In October 2003, geomagnetic storms rated as 'extreme' led to blackouts in Sweden and damaged power transformers in South Africa. Impacts are also possible on high-frequency radio communication, GPS, spacecraft and satellites.

The most powerful geomagnetic storm in recorded history, known as the Carrington Event, occurred in September 1859, named after British astronomer Richard Carrington.

Excess currents on telegraph lines at that time caused electrical shocks to technicians and even set some telegraph equipment ablaze.

FAQs

Q1. What is Aurora lights?
A1. Aurora lights are celestial phenomenon which has been caused by a powerful solar storm.

Q2. What is full form of CMEs?
A2. The full form of CMEs is coronal mass ejections.