Solar Alert News

Superstorms Can Strike Anytime: The Carrington Event of 1859 Amid a Weak Solar Cycle

In late April 2015, observations indicated that the Sun was nearly devoid of sunspots, highlighting the ongoing weakness of Solar Cycle 24—the most subdued solar cycle in over a century. This period of minimal solar activity, following a notably deep solar minimum from 2007 to 2009, has implications for space weather and Earth’s climate. While reduced sunspot activity generally leads to fewer geomagnetic storms, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of significant solar events. Historically, even during weak solar cycles, powerful storms like the Carrington Event of 1859 have occurred.

Source: https://arcfieldweather.com/blog/2015/04/30/845-am-the-sun-is-now-virtually-blank-during-the-weakest-solar-cycle-in-more-than-a-century
Earth Due for a Massive Solar Storm: Are We Prepared?

Research indicates that Earth may be due for a significant solar storm, similar to the 1859 Carrington Event, which could disrupt modern technology and infrastructure. Such an event could lead to widespread power outages, affecting millions and costing trillions. Advancements in space observation have improved our ability to anticipate these storms, but further preparation is essential to mitigate potential damage.

Source: https://www.mic.com/articles/117742/it-may-be-right-about-time-for-a-massive-solar-storm-to-hit-earth?fbclid=iwy2xjawht9htlehrua2flbqixmaabhdp4fe2uxc2cmhjvpmcfipbspdhzsr3xiidgiaaaibj4sqqmfbqckkb-nq_aem_gb_stjxdypmvnyabkhkupw
EMP Threats to U.S. Power Grid: Experts Urge Immediate Action

In May 2015, experts warned Congress about the severe vulnerability of the U.S. power grid to electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), which could disrupt electricity for millions for years. Despite the availability of protective technology and an estimated $2 billion safeguard cost, political delays hinder progress. Advocates urged for mandatory EMP protections in infrastructure, while states were encouraged to take independent action. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) initiated new standards to address these risks.

Source: http://www.hngn.com/articles/92233/20150514/congress-warned-emp-electromagnetic-pulse-vulnerability-leave-americans-without-power.htm
SDO Captures Wing-Like Prominence Eruption in Stunning Detail

On April 21, 2015, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured a six-hour-long prominence eruption resembling wings. The event was observed in extreme ultraviolet wavelengths, specifically 171 angstroms (gold) and 304 angstroms (orange), providing detailed visuals of the Sun’s dynamic activity.
Twisting Magnetic Fields Spark Solar Flare: Insights from Recent Observations

A twisting magnetic flux rope on the Sun’s surface was observed leading to a solar flare, providing key insights into how solar magnetic fields release energy. This event highlights the role of flux ropes in triggering solar flares, which can affect Earth’s space weather and technological systems.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3059391/Watch-twisting-solar-flux-sun-Stunning-video-reveals-winding-rope-magnetic-field-causing-flare.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHS4INleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdp4Fe2uXC2CmHJvPmCFiPBsPdHzsR3XIIDgiAAaIbJ4SQQMFBqckKB-NQ_aem_gb_STJXdypMVNYABKHKUPw
Nanoflares: Solving the Mystery of the Sun’s Superheated Corona

The long-standing mystery of why the Sun’s corona is millions of degrees hotter than its surface may be explained by “nanoflares,” tiny but frequent magnetic explosions in the corona. These small-scale events, occurring millions of times per second, release enough energy collectively to account for the extreme temperatures observed. This discovery advances our understanding of solar dynamics and has implications for studying space weather.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3059091/Solar-corona-mystery-SOLVED-Millions-superhot-nanoflare-explosions-occur-sun-second.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHS391leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdfdGXsMnZ2NQ0Y3jn2XhIjUVd3yA1W6DXBkU-W4CPKhqRQy8WyboU5XPg_aem_z-s08zK0TkAbmbJHiEMXYg
Latest Solar Activity Images Now Available on Solar Alert App
Safeguarding Technology from the Impacts of Solar Flares and CMEs

Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can disrupt Earth’s technology by impacting power grids, satellites, communication systems, and aviation. These events cause geomagnetic storms that induce electrical surges, interfere with satellite signals, and disrupt high-frequency radio communication. While personal electronics are less affected, large-scale infrastructure faces significant risks. Mitigation strategies include hardening power grids, shielding satellites, and improving space weather forecasting to reduce disruptions.

Source: https://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-flare-electronics.htm
Auroras from Space: ISS Astronauts Witness Geomagnetic Storms Up Close

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have recently experienced geomagnetic storms firsthand, offering them extraordinary views of the aurora borealis directly outside their windows. These geomagnetic storms occur when solar winds interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating stunning auroras visible from space. For more insights into space weather and its impacts, visit NASA’s science news page.
NASA’s MMS Mission: Unveiling the Mysteries of Magnetic Reconnection

In March 2015, NASA launched the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, comprising four spacecraft designed to study magnetic reconnection—a process where magnetic fields explosively realign, releasing vast amounts of energy. This phenomenon is pivotal in driving space weather events, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can disrupt Earth’s satellites, power grids, and communication systems. The MMS mission aims to provide detailed insights into magnetic reconnection by flying in a tetrahedral formation through Earth’s magnetosphere, collecting high-resolution measurements to enhance our understanding of space weather and its potential impacts on modern technology.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/nasa-satellites-magnetospheric-magnetic-sun-solar-flare/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHSfgxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcw7rpVygFz1WKoVs2pKqGSAVFDAMWHZpUaFyrNW3wtyQCriTmKtBrQy9w_aem_Tsvh9VP9y13z16ci6TUjgg