Astronomers are warning that a powerful solar storm will hit Earth on Tuesday as a result of several solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun. The phenomenon has been described as a “solar tsunami”and one of the eruptions is considered the most powerful of the current solar cycle, with possible major effects on satellites, communications and terrestrial electrical systems.
A powerful solar storm will hit Earth on Tuesday. PHOTO: Shutterstock
Space weather observers have issued an alert for a rare phenomenon called “cannibal CME”, in which a fast solar ejection catches it and a “swallow” the previously issued one, amplifying its force, notes Express.co.uk.
The first wave, produced on November 9, reportedly touched the Earth’s magnetosphere slightly, causing temporary radio signal plumes in Europe and Africa. The following solar flares are expected to coalesce before the main impact, forecast for November 11-12, which could trigger G3 (strong) to G4 (severe) geomagnetic storms — significantly more intense than initial estimates.
Possible effects: aurora borealis visible in southern Europe and technological disruptions
Such an event could make auroras visible as far north as Spain or the southern US, but also pose serious risks to technology. Satellites can suffer damage to their solar panels or deviate from orbit. GPS signals and radio communications could be disrupted for hours or even days. Power grids in northern areas, such as Scandinavia and Canada, are preparing for surges similar to those in the famous event in 2003.
What would happen in the case of a storm of the magnitude of the “Carrington Event”
Experts point out that if solar activity were to intensify to the level of the 1859 storm (“Carrington Event”), the consequences for modern society would be devastating:
– massive blackouts on entire continents, which could last for weeks;
– blocking communications, GPS and satellites;
– economic losses of trillions of dollars, according to NASA estimates.
Warning from specialists
In a 2019 interview with Express.co.uk, British space weather expert Mike Willis, from the UK Space Agency, warned that a solar storm of this magnitude could cause more than £5bn of damage in just a few days, affecting satellites and the national electricity grid.
“Such extreme events could cause serious disruption if not anticipated and managed in time. Knowing when a storm is approaching allows power grids to take protective measures,” Willis said then.
For now, experts say the risk of a catastrophic event is low, but the intensity of the current storm could cause light phenomena and technological disruptions to be felt on a global scale in the next 24-48 hours.
