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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44 peacocks die of H5N1 in Karnataka’s Tumakuru; minister orders precautions
Bengaluru (PTI): After 44 peacocks died of the H5N1 virus in Tumakuru district, Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre on Saturday directed officials to implement strict precautionary measures to prevent its spread across forest areas, including zoos and bird sanctuaries.
The directive comes after laboratory reports from the ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal recently confirmed H5N1 avian influenza as the cause of the deaths.
According to the state forest minister, the peacocks died between April 16 and 21 in and around Bommanahalli and Kolihalli villages in Urdigere hobli, and Bairasandra and Hullenahalli villages in Gulur hobli of Tumakuru district.
“In this context, instructions have been issued in line with the revised H5N1 Action Plan of the Central Government to prevent the spread of infection across all forest areas, including zoos, bird sanctuaries, Magadi Lake, and the community reserve at Kokkare Bellur,” Khandre said in a note addressed to the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden.
He also directed that any deaths of birds, whether migratory or local, must be reported immediately, and that samples from carcasses should be collected and sent for testing.
If required, a nodal officer may be appointed to monitor the situation across the state, he added.
Authorities have established an infected zone within a 0–3 km radius and a surveillance zone extending from 3 to 10 km.
According to the Health Department, surveillance for fever, Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) will be carried out over the next 10 days, covering a population of 20,432 across 38 villages.
In light of the situation, the department has advised the public to follow precautionary measures to minimise the risk of infection by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and maintaining hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water.
It has also suggested the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling birds or their droppings, and advised ensuring that poultry and eggs are thoroughly cooked (above 80 degrees celcius) before consumption.
The health department has also recommended avoiding close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness.
The department said it is closely monitoring the situation and has put necessary precautionary measures in place.
The public has been advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual bird deaths or symptoms promptly, officials added.
Avian influenza (H5N1) is a subtype of the influenza virus that infects birds and mammals, including humans in rare instances, according to the World Health Organisation. Human cases reported so far have been mostly linked to close contact with infected birds or other animals, or with contaminated environments.
