NASA has issued a warning about an imminent solar storm expected to impact Earth on November 30, potentially causing disruptions to radio and GPS signals.
Solar storms are known for causing disruptions in communication. Recent observations reveal that a solar storm, specifically a coronal mass ejection (CME), is scheduled for November 30. CMEs involve the release of solar waves containing highly charged ions capable of damaging satellites and communication systems on Earth.
Meanwhile, NASA has warned that the impending solar storm—a CME may result in a 15-hour-long G2-class solar flare, indicative of a potentially intense solar storm.
According to space weather specialist Dr. Tamitha Skov, during this event, auroras will illuminate the sky due to the intense interaction of CMEs with the thermosphere layer of the atmosphere, where ions are free to move.
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Anticipating Effects of the November 30 Solar Storm
Solar storms commonly cause disturbances in radio and GPS communications. Emerging as a powerful release of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona, a coronal mass ejection (CME) can engage with Earth’s magnetic field and ionosphere, resulting in geomagnetic storms and the appearance of auroras.
A post on X by a weather expert noted, “This one is going mainly south of Earth, so minor effects are expected. #Aurora possible at high latitudes, #GPS & amateur #radio impacts minimal.”
While the upcoming solar storm on November 30 is predicted to be relatively small, it could still cause disruptions such as blackouts of radio and GPS signals, especially near the poles. Although individually minor, these disruptions can accumulate and become noticeable globally.
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Navigating the Impact
While the upcoming solar storm on November 30 is predicted to be relatively small, it could still cause disruptions such as blackouts of radio and GPS signals, especially near the poles. Although individually minor, these disruptions can accumulate and become noticeable globally.
Typically, large-scale solar storms have the potential to cause internet disruptions and outages in various regions. Although severe, their effects usually endure for only a few hours.
It’s important to highlight that in the absence of Earth’s atmosphere, solar storms could potentially harm cells in both plants and humans due to radiation. Currently, these storms do not directly threaten living organisms, but it is advisable to take precautions to avoid any potential accidents.