Science

Powerful Solar Storm Strikes Earth, Potentially Disrupting Power Grids And Communication

The most powerful solar storm in more than two decades slammed Earth on Friday, causing dazzling celestial light shows from Tasmania to Britain and risking satellite and power system outages as it continues into the weekend.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Centre, the first of many coronal mass ejections (CMEs), expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, occurred shortly after 1600 GMT.

It was eventually elevated to an extreme geomagnetic storm, the first since the so-called ‘Halloween Storms’ in October 2003, which caused blackouts in Sweden and damaged electricity infrastructure in South Africa. More CMEs are predicted to hit the earth in the coming days.

Authorities advised satellite providers, airlines, and the power grid to take precautions against potential disruptions caused by changes in the Earth’s magnetic field.

Unlike solar flares, which move at the speed of light and reach Earth in approximately eight minutes, CMEs travel at a slower rate, with officials estimating the current average at 800 kilometres (500 miles) per second.

They came from a huge sunspot cluster that is 17 times larger than our globe. The Sun is nearing the apex of an 11-year cycle that causes increased activity.

Also read: 3 Night Shifts Alone Can Increase Diabetes And Obesity Risks

Spriha Rai

Recent Posts

IPL 2025: RCB vs GT Clash – Match Time, Venue, & Head-To-Head Stats

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 14…

26 mins ago

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: A Beacon Of Justice, Equity, And Clarity For India’s Future

In a diverse and dynamic nation like India, managing Waqf properties requires a careful balance…

49 mins ago

Markets Open Higher As Heavyweights Lift Sentiment; Midcaps & Smallcaps Under Pressure

Indian stock markets started on a positive note, driven by gains in key stocks such…

59 mins ago

Justice Chandra Dhari Singh Bids Farewell To Delhi High Court As He Returns To Allahabad High Court

Justice Chandra Dhari Singh bid farewell to the Delhi High Court as the Center transferred…

2 hours ago

Heirs Of Bikaner Maharaja File Petition Over Outstanding Rent In Delhi High Court

Heirs of last Maharaja of Bikaner, Dr Karni Singh, have filed a petition in Delhi…

2 hours ago

Supreme Court Denies Passport To YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia Amid Ongoing Investigation

The court stated that it would consider Ranveer Allahabadia’s application for a passport once investigation…

3 hours ago