In May, one of the strongest displays of auroras in centuries occurred worldwide, caused by a barrage of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun, creating the strongest solar storm in over two decades. This activity is part of the sun nearing the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, leading to heightened solar activity not initially predicted.
Auroras result from charged particles colliding with molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere, emitting colorful light, typically visible at high latitudes unless the storms are exceptionally powerful. NASA and NOAA experts shed light on the recent solar activity and its impact on Earth, such as degraded satellite communications, GPS errors, and disruptions to power grids and aviation.
Active regions on the sun are localized areas of strong magnetic fields that inhibit energy transfer, causing them to appear darker than their surroundings. These regions accumulate magnetic energy that is eventually released in the form of solar flares. The May 10-11 storm affected various technologies on Earth, prompting adjustments in satellite communications, GPS accuracy, and launch and aviation operations.
Preparation for solar storms involves coordination among agencies to evaluate readiness and provide notifications to those potentially affected. Technological providers incorporate space weather into their planning, resulting in successful mitigation of impacts from extreme space weather events. Solar cycle 25, initially predicted to be weak, is now showing increased activity beyond expectations, with heightened risk expected throughout 2021 to 2026.
While regions on the sun that caused the May storm may face Earth again, experts anticipate the possibility of further activity without expecting events as severe as in early May. Continuous monitoring and real-time updates from experts can help individuals stay informed and prepared for potential solar events in the coming years. Awareness of space weather and collaborative efforts among agencies contribute to effective responses to solar storms and their impacts on Earth’s technologies and systems.
