Solar Storms

Solar storms, also known as geomagnetic storms, are disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar activity, particularly from eruptions such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events release large amounts of charged particles from the Sun, which interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. Solar storms can lead to various effects, including increased auroras (Northern and Southern Lights), disruptions to satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids, and can pose risks to astronauts in space. They can vary in intensity, with stronger storms potentially causing significant impacts on technological infrastructure, while weaker storms may have negligible effects. Understanding solar storms is crucial for predicting space weather and mitigating their potential effects on Earth.