Sunspot ready to explode, may send solar flares Earthward, spark geomagnetic storm: NASA SDO

NASA SDO has revealed that there is a danger of a recent sunspot releasing an M-Class solar flare in Earth's direction and it can spark a geomagnetic storm on our planet.

As explained by NASA, a solar flare is an intense burst of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots. If the radiation travels in the direction of our planet and disturbs the Earth’s magnetic field, it can lead to a geomagnetic storm. (NOAA)

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1/5 As explained by NASA, a solar flare is an intense burst of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots. If the radiation travels in the direction of our planet and disturbs the Earth’s magnetic field, it can lead to a geomagnetic storm. (NOAA)

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has revealed that there is a danger of a recent sunspot releasing an M-Class solar flare in Earth's direction and it can spark a geomagnetic storm on our planet.  (Pexels)

2/5 NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has revealed that there is a danger of a recent sunspot releasing an M-Class solar flare in Earth's direction and it can spark a geomagnetic storm on our planet.  (Pexels)

According to a report by spaceweather.com, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), forecasts that a region on the Sun's surface, designated as Sunspot AR3483, has a “'beta-gamma” magnetic field. This sunspot can trigger M-class solar flares and has enough potential to blow out a stream of solar flares consequently causing Geomagnetic storms on Earth. (Pixabay)

3/5 According to a report by spaceweather.com, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), forecasts that a region on the Sun's surface, designated as Sunspot AR3483, has a “'beta-gamma” magnetic field. This sunspot can trigger M-class solar flares and has enough potential to blow out a stream of solar flares consequently causing Geomagnetic storms on Earth. (Pixabay)

The NASA's SDO carries a full suite of instruments to observe the Sun and has been doing so since 2010. It uses three very crucial instruments to collect data from various solar activities including the  Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI), Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE), and Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA). These instruments are extremely helpful in predicting space phenomena and the likelihood of geomagnetic storms on Earth. (Pixabay)

4/5 The NASA's SDO carries a full suite of instruments to observe the Sun and has been doing so since 2010. It uses three very crucial instruments to collect data from various solar activities including the  Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI), Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE), and Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA). These instruments are extremely helpful in predicting space phenomena and the likelihood of geomagnetic storms on Earth. (Pixabay)

What most of these Geomagnetic storms can do is create beautiful auroras - the colourful Northern and Southern lights. On the other hand, if they are really powerful, they also can disrupt navigation systems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS),  cause power and radio blackouts, and more. One of the most intense geomagnetic storms was recorded during the solar cycle 10. That storm was designated as the Carrington Event. This geomagnetic storm caused aurora displays and even fires in telegraph stations way back in 1859. (NASA)

5/5 What most of these Geomagnetic storms can do is create beautiful auroras - the colourful Northern and Southern lights. On the other hand, if they are really powerful, they also can disrupt navigation systems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS),  cause power and radio blackouts, and more. One of the most intense geomagnetic storms was recorded during the solar cycle 10. That storm was designated as the Carrington Event. This geomagnetic storm caused aurora displays and even fires in telegraph stations way back in 1859. (NASA)