Sunspot responsible for intense solar storms set to reappear soon
The return of AR3723, a massive sunspot that stirred up a powerful G5 geomagnetic storm last month, is anticipated as it once again faces the Earth. The solar storm triggered breathtaking auroras visible across various parts of the globe, including the UK, multiple US states, and even certain regions in France, where they hadn't been seen in over two decades. While the likelihood of similar aurora sightings remains uncertain, astronomers note that the Sun is nearing the solar maximum phase of its 11-year cycle, increasing the chances of such mesmerizing occurrences. This is prepared by SSP.
The solar maximum, characterized by the flip-flopping of the Sun's north and south poles, last occurred in April 2014. Estimating the date of the next solar maximum is challenging, as it is only known once it has already happened. Space weather forecasters presently predict that the solar maximum could transpire anytime between now and early 2026. Rami Qahwaji, a professor of visual computing at the University of Bradford and founder of the Space Weather Prediction Group, explains that while solar storms can happen at any time, significant solar storms usually arise weeks to years after the solar maximum. As the solar cycle progresses, more sunspots emerge, some potentially closer to the Sun's equator. This could heighten the chances of coronal mass ejections directly targeting Earth instead of venturing out into space.
However, another G5 geomagnetic storm, if it were to materialize, brings the possibility of widespread disruptions to power systems, satellites, and other spacecraft. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center highlights potential impacts on communication systems. Asserting the potential risks, the agency warns that high-frequency radio propagation may be impossible in various areas for one to two days, satellite navigation could be degraded for days, and low-frequency radio navigation might face outages for hours. The agency further cautions that certain grid systems may experience complete collapse or blackouts. In a recent event, a solar flare emitted by AR3723 on June 23rd led to momentary shortwave radio blackouts across Western Europe and West Africa, highlighting the potential consequences.