Scary Geomagnetic storm set to hit Earth tomorrow due to this dangerous CME

A recent CME eruption on the surface of the Sun is all set to spark a Geomagnetic storm on Earth tomorrow, December 27. Here’s what could happen.

Know more about the geomagnetic storm danger faced by Earth. (NASA)

Solar activity has been at a high due to the Sun being in the middle of its solar cycle during which it reaches its peak volatility levels. As a result, sunspot eruptions, solar storms, solar flares and more, are all plaguing Earth. Although this solar activity might seem harmless due to the distance of the Sun from our planet, they can cause major damage. Now, scientists have observed harmful Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) erupting from the solar surface, which could result in a geomagnetic storm hitting the planet as soon as tomorrow!

NOAA forecasters have revealed that Earth is at risk of a G-1 class geomagnetic storm which is expected to impact Earth tomorrow, December 27. This is due to a CME which was hurled towards the Earth on Christmas Eve. “NOAA forecasters say that G1-class geomagnetic storms are likely on Dec. 27th when a CME is expected to hit Earth's magnetic field. The CME left the sun on Christmas Eve, propelled by the explosion of a magnetic filament”, the spaceweather.com reports said.

Formation of Solar Storms

Solar storms occur due to CMEs that are set off on the surface of the Sun. As per the K-index, which measures the magnetic field around the Earth, solar storms are divided into 5 classes from G-1 to G-5. The G-1 is the lowest impact solar G5 is given to the most severe solar storms.

As the particles during the solar storm reach Earth, they interact with Earth's magnetic field and spark Geomagnetic storms.

Effects of Geomagnetic Storm

When solar particles hit Earth, radio communications and the power grid are affected when they hits the planet's magnetic field. This can cause power and radio blackouts for several hours or even days. However, electricity grid problems occur only if the solar flare is extremely strong.

Beautiful auroras form as a result of the CME from the Sun too. These are the stunning streaks of green light across the sky known as Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.