Geomagnetic Storm Alert: Solar Storm Erupts Numerous Flares with Super Hot Plasma

Recent reports showed that the recent severe solar storm, with the eruption of numerous flares and hot plasma, brought a G-4 class geomagnetic storm, making it one of the most powerful solar storms recorded since 2017.

NOAA satellites help to record and detect potential solar storms that can impact the planet, as geomagnetic storms refer to potential disturbances in the magnetic field. Understanding the emergence of solar storms is important to provide early announcements that can affect GPS networks, satellites, and mobile phones. It can also potentially damage powerlines, which can lead to a widespread power

NOAA Report and Recent Solar Storms

NOAA monitored flares from the sun and hot plasma that can unload on the planet, causing potential auroras or amazing displays of light in the skies. On March 24, the CME reached Earth, causing a G4-class geomagnetic storm. It is considered a powerful solar storm since 2017.

NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center recently issued Geomagnetic Storm Watches for March 24 to March 25 due to increased geomagnetic activity. However, the advisory said that it would not have a significant impact on the public.

As mentioned, powerful solar storms can affect any radio signals or communication systems. For astronauts, they are more vulnerable when they do spacewalks, including potential exposures to harmful radiation. With severe geomagnetic storms, potential auroras can be visible in parts of Alabama to northern California.

The report added that power grid irregularities occurred in Canada.

People are advised to keep updated with the latest forecasts by the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, including potential alerts. NOAA is equipped with satellites that can better monitor the impacts of solar storms using Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS).

For internet users, the said storm can affect the connection or digital traffic, limiting the access to internet.

Using Trees to Track the Largest Solar Storm

In a recent report, researchers, from the Natural Resources Institute Finland, University of Helsinki, and University of Oulu, aimed to decipher the largest solar storm in Lapland's tree rings. The team tried to analyze the radiocarbon concentrations in the area after being impacted by the Carrington flare in 1859. The said solar storm places as one of the largest solar storms.

The research report was published in Geophysical Research Letters, studying the radiocarbon concentrations from the tree rings after being hit by intense solar storms. The researchers collected samples from the wood. It can provide new insights into atmospheric dynamics and carbon cycle models.

"Radiocarbon is like a cosmic marker describing phenomena associated with Earth, the solar system, and outer space," Markku Oinonen, director of the University of Helsinki's Laboratory of Chronology, said.