Magnetic Solar Storm Expected to Hit Earth

In 2006, 2005, and 2003, powerful solar flares occurred which caused some minor electronic and satellite radio stations disruptions. The most powerful solar flare disruptions ever recorded happened in 1859 and was sufficiently strong to damage electrical equipment, which was a big thing during that period because electricity was in its infancy. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recently reported the strongest solar flares seen in several years are sending a mass of charged particles towards the Earth. Their report also included information confirming these flare and the charged particles they emit, could result in radio interference and auroral displays.

This recent solar flare activity was first discovered on February 13 and again on February 14 when a much larger sunspot eruption occurred. According to their observations, these sun spot eruptions were pointed directly at Earth, which will send X-rays and charged particles towards our planet. The British Geological Survey has received reports of Northern Lights activity in Northern Ireland. This is especially unusual because the moon is nearly full and in order for the Northern Lights to be visible, an extremely dark sky is necessary.

When solar flares occur, they send bursts of X-rays and charged particles, which consist mostly of protons, into space. The flares are assigned various classification, with A being a low classification and an X class as the most powerful. The February 13 solar flare was a M class eruption. The February 14 eruption was a more powerful X class flare. Only on rare occasion is one pointed directly towards Earth.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, space scientist and leading expert in this area, Joe Kunches, reported in a recent statement, the disturbances in the magnetic field will occur and should appear over the course of the next few days. He also noted, even through these are powerful flares, they probably will not result in any catastrophic events. He went on to add, much of the electronic equipment which could be affected by solar flares are built with the possibility of magnetic disruptions in mind. While a major magnetic storm might cause some disruptions, it will not necessarily do much damage, he said.

This new solar activity is extremely energetic and GPS satellite interference is expected. A number of major airlines have begun re-routing their flights around the North Pole as a precaution. This way, they remain in the line of sight of the satellites they use for regular communication with the ground. Some media and official agencies are reporting the output from these latest sunspot eruptions are expected to unleash a powerful magnetic storm that will arrive on Earth around Friday, February 18.