1 million km wide hole in the Sun is sending solar winds to Earth; How will it impact us
The Sun is the central star of our solar system and its intense power is unpredictable. Sometimes this leads to some massive events in the Solar system that can impact Earth in unexpected ways, like creating dazzling
auroras
to disruptions in satellite communications.
The Sun's activity is closely monitored by scientists who are always on the lookout for signs of major solar events. While we often think of the Sun as a distant, stable entity, its outbursts can have far-reaching effects not only upon the Earthly skies but also on technology, communication, and even power grids on Earth.
Recently, space weather forecasters issued warnings after a massive hole, spanning over a million kilometers wide, opened up in the Sun's atmosphere, sending powerful streams of solar wind in Earth's direction.
The hole is visible in extreme ultraviolet images captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.
What is this hole in the Sun?
Coronal holes are areas where the Sun's magnetic field opens up, allowing charged particles to escape at speeds that can exceed 700 kilometers per second. These high-speed winds are a major contributor to
geomagnetic storms
on Earth.
On Monday, a magnetic filament erupted from the Sun's northern hemisphere, launching a
coronal mass ejection
(CME) into space.
According to NOAA forecasters, this CME could strike Earth's magnetic field on May 23, intensifying the risk of a G1-class geomagnetic storm. According to India Today, "Minor G1-class storms are also possible from May 20 to 22 as Earth moves through a high-speed solar wind stream originating from the newly formed coronal hole," said NOAA officials. These storms, though minor, can cause disruptions in radio communications and satellite operations.
This has already started impacting the Earth
The solar wind from the coronal hole is already having visible effects on Earth. The high-speed solar wind has caused minor geomagnetic storms, leading to stunning auroras visible at much lower latitudes than usual.
Although the immediate risk is considered moderate, scientists are keeping a close eye on the situation as the Sun is currently in a period of heightened activity, known as the solar maximum, which is commonly characterised by frequent solar flares, sunspots, and eruptions.
The current period of solar maximum means we can expect more solar outbursts in the coming months.
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