Earth on alert as solar storm set to hit this week; may disrupt GPS, communications
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Washington: The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists have issued alerts for powerful solar and geomagnetic storms, which are expected to hit Earth this week. The storms are expected to cause auroras across parts of the United States, Canada and Europe. They might potentially cause temporary disruptions in communications and satellite systems.
The alerts were issued on Tuesday that stated several strong coronal mass ejections (CMEs), massive bursts of solar plasma and magnetic fields, have been observed over the past few days. The agency issued a “G4” geomagnetic storm watch, the second-highest level on a five-point scale, after detecting stronger-than-expected solar activity.
Shawn Dahl, a scientist at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, said two CMEs that erupted on November 9 and 10 had already reached Earth and were “profoundly stronger” than anticipated. A third, faster-moving CME that erupted on November 11 is expected to strike the planet by Wednesday afternoon (Eastern Time), he said.
The storms have already caused temporary radio blackouts across parts of Africa and Europe, according to Space.com.
The ongoing activity is linked to the solar maximum which is the peak of an 11-year solar cycle with intense magnetic activity and the current cycle is expected to last through the end of 2025, according to NOAA.
In May 2024, Earth experienced its strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades, across the US, the UK and parts of Europe.
This week, aurora sightings have already been reported or are expected over several US states including Illinois, Colorado, Washington, California, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, North Dakota, New York and North Carolina. Similar displays are anticipated in Canada, Ireland and northern parts of the UK, weather agencies said.
NOAA has warned that there will be temporary disruptions in GPS, radio communication and satellite operations could occur. Power grid operators and air traffic authorities have been alerted. Planned space launch may also be postponed as a precaution.
The NOAA said the auroras’ brightness and visibility depend on local light conditions and the timing of solar particles entering Earth’s atmosphere, advising skywatchers to move away from brightly lit areas for the best view.
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French President Macron concludes Mumbai visit
Mumbai (PTI): French President Emmanuel Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, left Mumbai for New Delhi on Wednesday after concluding his engagements here, including bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They were seen off at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
On Tuesday, Macron held discussions with Modi as part of efforts to further strengthen India-France strategic ties.
During the Mumbai visit, the French president and his wife also met some of India's top filmmakers and actors, and had an animated exchange with them about cinema, culture and collaboration.
President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of PM Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India in the national capital Delhi, besides the bilateral summit in Mumbai.
PM Modi will inaugurate the summit on February 19. As many as 20 heads of states, including French President Macron, will be present at the inaugural session, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said.
