Solar storm alert: CME set to spark Geomagnetic storm soon, beautiful auroras likely

NASA says a geomagnetic storm could be on the cards after a “canyon of fire” CME was hurled out towards Earth on March 17, which could trigger auroras too. Know all about this solar storm alert.

A geomagnetic storm alert has been issued, which could trigger a solar storm. Check details. (NASA SDO)

Solar storm alert: On March 17, a big Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) erupted on the surface of the Sun. This CME is now on course for Earth and it could spark a geomagnetic storm soon, raising a potential threat of a solar storm. This development comes just days after another CME grazed Earth's magnetic field, triggering a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm. Know all about this solar storm alert.

Solar storm alert

According to a SpaceWeather report, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded a huge eruption of the solar surface where a CME was expelled. This CME is being called a “Canyon of Fire". The space agency has modelled the data and revealed that this solar storm cloud is now approaching Earth. Consequently, forecasters have issued a solar storm alert as this CME is now expected to graze Earth's magnetic field on March 20, and it could trigger a G1-class geomagnetic storm.

Furthermore, the report suggests that this geomagnetic storm could result in auroras in high latitudes, especially on the first night of the Northern Spring.

The report states, “Yesterday's "canyon of fire" CME (described below) could graze our planet's magnetic field on March 20th. If so, the timing would be perfect for equinox auroras. At this time of year, even a glancing blow from a CME can spark geomagnetic storms thanks to the springtime Russell-McPherron effect.”

This impact comes at a time when the Russell-McPherron effect is in play. During this period, even minor solar winds have the potential to cause geomagnetic storms. But why does this happen?

About the Russell-McPherron effect

The Vernal Equinox has now arrived, due to which the Russell-McPherron effect has now come into play. During this time, the Sun is positioned directly above the equator, resulting in day and night being of the same duration. Along with this, a semiannual variation in the effective southward component of the interplanetary field is also observed. This causes cracks in Earth's magnetic field, through which even weak solar winds can seep through and trigger solar storms.

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