Sun's Recent Coronal Mass Ejection May Cause Geomagnetic Storm on August 26

On August 23, 2024, a coronal mass ejection (CME) explosively released plasma from the Sun’s atmosphere into space. This energetic outburst carries solar magnetic fields, which can disturb the magnetic fields of planets, particularly Earth. Although the majority of this CME is expected to miss Earth, a glancing blow may occur on August 26-27. This is prepared by SSP.

The Royal Observatory of Belgium’s Solar Influences Data Analysis Centre (SIDC) stated, "Although the bulk of the CME is directed west, an Earth-directed component may arrive on August 27." The Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) from NOAA noted, "Periods of active conditions are likely on August 27 due to the expected glancing-blow arrival of a CME from August 23." Additionally, the UK Met Office reported, "There is a chance of Active to G1 Minor Storm with any CME glance, most likely on August 27."

Understanding Coronal Mass Ejections and Geomagnetic Storms

CMEs travel slower than high-energy light from the Sun and can change while traversing interplanetary space. When multiple CMEs merge and reach Earth simultaneously, they can trigger violent and prolonged geomagnetic storms. These storms transport energetic particles from the Sun to Earth's polar regions, causing stunning displays of polar lights.

Geomagnetic storms can cause significant disruptions. They inject heat into the atmosphere, making it swell and increasing drag on satellites, which lowers their orbits. Additionally, current induction occurs along long conductors on the ground, including power grids and pipelines, leading to equipment failure and false alarms. Consequently, these storms pose threats to modern technologies vital to daily life.