Earth could face a geomagnetic storm on September 24

17:15

By: Azzat Manal

Earth could face a geomagnetic storm on September 24

Earth could experience a geomagnetic storm on Thursday, September 24, according to a forecast from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as solar activity shows signs of increasing again after a relatively quiet period.

The laboratory said the expected disturbance would be the second forecast geomagnetic storm of the autumn and would coincide with the period around the September equinox. Scientists attributed the anticipated event to plasma released from a coronal hole that recently developed on the Sun.

Coronal holes are regions of the solar atmosphere where magnetic field lines are more open, allowing streams of charged particles known as solar wind to escape into space at higher speeds. When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can trigger geomagnetic disturbances of varying intensity.

The latest forecast comes after a period of limited solar activity between September 13 and 18. According to the Russian laboratory, solar flares of class C began appearing again from September 19, indicating a renewed increase in activity on the solar surface.

Geomagnetic storms are generally classified according to their intensity, ranging from G1, considered minor, to G5, classified as extreme. The strongest events can affect technological infrastructure, including satellite systems, radio communications, navigation services and electrical networks.

The impact of a storm depends on several factors, including the speed and magnetic orientation of the solar wind reaching Earth. A relatively moderate event may produce limited disruptions, while stronger storms can create wider effects on high-frequency radio communications, satellite operations and power-grid systems.

Geomagnetic activity can also produce auroras, allowing the northern and southern lights to become visible farther from the polar regions than usual. During particularly strong solar storms, auroral displays can sometimes be observed at much lower latitudes.

Scientists closely monitor solar activity through satellites and ground-based observatories to improve forecasts and assess potential risks. While geomagnetic storms are a natural consequence of solar activity, their effects on modern technological systems have made space-weather monitoring an increasingly important part of infrastructure and communications planning.