Gigantic hole on Sun to spark dazzling auroras as far as New York as Solar storm imminent

A hole has been spotted in the Sun’s magnetic field which could bring about a solar storm, along with stunning auroras around the world.

By: HT TECH
| Updated on: Mar 23 2023, 14:47 IST

6 TERRIFYING solar storms that blasted Earth in 2022

Sun — 1/6 On June 29, a surprise solar storm struck the Earth. The solar storm was not caused by coronal mass ejections (CME) but by a corotating interaction region (CIR), which opened a hole in the Earth's magnetosphere. It was a G1-class solar storm which is capable of causing shortwave radio blackouts and GPS disruptions. Interestingly, it coincided with the rare five planet alignment event. (NASA)

Sun — 2/6 Extremely rare pink auroras could be seen on November 3 near Greenland, after a G1-class solar storm slammed into the Earth. Solar storms usually give a greenish hue due to ionizing of Oxygen atoms. However, the CME in this case was able to reach the lower strata of the atmosphere which ionized Nitrogen atoms and gave off the rare pink aura. (Representative Photo) (Pixabay)

Sun — 3/6 On November 6, a powerful solar flare which was estimated to be an X-class solar flare caused temporary radio blackouts in Australia and New Zealand. The resultant solar storm blocked all high frequency radio waves making it hard for various emergency services and airlines that use radio communications to operate for multiple hours. (Pixabay)

Sun — 4/6 On August 7 and 8, a mysterious phenomenon was seen after a solar storm strike which scientists call STEVE (strong thermal emission velocity enhancement). A gigantic ribbon of purple light followed by a wave of green light could be seen in many parts of North America. (@KaniskiDylan / Twitter)

5/6 A rare double solar storm attack was seen on March 14 when a G2-class solar storm was quickly followed up with another G1-class solar storm. Scientists believe that such multiple solar storm attacks are going to be more frequent in coming days as the Sun reaches the peak of its solar cycle. (Pixabay)

6/6 On October 25, the Sun seemed to beam a smile at Earth even as it spewed a stream of dangerous solar particles towards our planet. Multiple dark regions popped up on the Sun that gave an uncanny impression of a smiley face. The resultant solar storm from the event was noted to be a G2-class which is so strong that it is capable of causing fluctuations in electricity grids on Earth. (SDO/AIA)

A coronal hole on the Sun could lead to auroras to be seen around the world. (NASA)

Just a couple of days ago, a CME grazed Earth which had a ripple effect and its presence alone sparked auroras in the Arctic Circle. Moreover, a spotted Sun during sunrise was detected by astrophotographers in regions of higher altitudes, which could lead to disastrous consequences in the near future. However, there is more pressing concern as a large hole was observed on the solar surface, one which could lead to a dangerous solar storm as well as stunning auroras.

According to a report by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a coronal hole was observed in the Sun's magnetic field which could spark a solar storm tomorrow, March 24. This solar storm is expected to bring about a G2-class Geomagnetic storm, as per the NOAA report.

Stunning auroras to be seen

Although Geomagnetic storms can disturb the magnetic field lines of Earth and even have the potential to disrupt power grids and communication networks, they also result in auroras, stunning streaks of green light across the sky. Though auroras usually occur in lower polar regions, this coronal hole could cause auroras to be seen globally. According to spaceweather.com, previous instances of coronal holes have led to auroras being seen in regions as far as New York and Idaho.

Increased solar activity

The Sun entered solar cycle 25 in 2019 and it is expected that it will hit its peak in July 2025. And this is the main reason why the Sun has suddenly become so violent. The Earth is in for a rough ride. If the Earth is hit with a G5-class solar storm, as predicted by observing the growing sunspots, it can not only damage satellites and disrupt wireless communications such as internet services, mobile network and GPS, it can also cause power grid failures and even disrupt electronics such as pacemakers on Earth.

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