Our planet is currently facing a powerful geomagnetic storm, classified as “extreme” (level 5 out of 5) by the NOAA US Weather Prediction Center. It is the first solar storm of this intensity since 2003 and could have significant consequences on a wide range of technologies, from GPS systems to power grids, from spacecraft to satellites. But what exactly is happening and what are the concrete risks?
At the origin of the geomagnetic storm: a gigantic group of sunspots
The triggering cause of this geomagnetic storm is the intense activity of AR3664, a huge group of sunspots that extends for about 200.000 kilometers, an area equal to 16 times the size of the Earth. In recent days, this region has emitted several powerful solar flares, violent eruptions that release energy equivalent to tens of millions of atomic bombs.
In particular, on May 9, AR3664 produced two X-class flares. THEto higher. Associated with this are two coronal mass ejections (CME) directed towards the Earth. Added to these are three other CMEs generated between 8 and 9 May, for a total of 5: five plasma “projectiles” en route to our planet. It sounds like the title of a movie, but in essence? What are the concrete risks of this solar storm?
GPS, electricity grids, satellites: technologies at risk
First of all, as mentioned, GPS systems could suffer interruptions or malfunctions with potential repercussions on air, sea and land navigation. Electricity networks, however, could be subject to overloads and blackouts, as happened during the famous "Halloween storms" of 2003, which caused power outages in Sweden and damage to transformers in South Africa.
Spacecraft and satellites could also feel the effects of the storm. The charged particles emitted by the Sun during these events can in fact damage electronic components and interfere with communications, causing potential malfunctions or failures.
Northern Lights “outside the door”: the show in the sky
Luckily there are not only risks: a geomagnetic storm can also offer breathtaking shows in the form of the Northern Lights. And he's doing it. During these events, in fact, the auroras can be visible at much lower latitudes than usual. In Scotland and England, for example, auroras have already been observed. In Italy they have already appeared in Tuscany and northern Sardinia.
Auroras form when charged particles from the Sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field, exciting atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere. This interaction generates the emission of light that characterizes the phenomenon, often in the form of spectacular curtains and luminous arcs.
A historical event? Comparison with the geomagnetic storm known as the “Carrington Event”
To understand how exceptional this geomagnetic storm is, just compare it with some particularly significant historical events, such as the famous "Carrington storm" of 1859. On that occasion, an enormous group of sunspots emitted a series of powerful flares and coronal mass ejections which they caused fires in telegraph offices and triggered auroras even near the equator.
If an event of this magnitude occurred today, the consequences could be much more serious, given our dependence on electronic and communications technologies. This is why it is essential to carefully monitor the evolution of the situation and adopt, where necessary, precautionary measures to protect critical infrastructures and limit potential damage.
In summary: eyes open in the next few days, between attention and curiosity
The current "extreme" geomagnetic storm, due to its characteristics, does not yet allow us to predict with certainty the extent of its consequences. The 5 masses en route to Earth could arrive separately or unite (with even more extreme effects): it is crucial to maintain high attention and vigilance to deal with any critical issues.
All that remains is to wait for the next few hours and observe, in the hope that this storm, however intense, will not cause significant damage and that, perhaps, it will give many the thrill of admiring the Northern Lights outside the regions where it is usually visible. An opportunity to remember the beauty and power of nature, even when it confronts us with our vulnerabilities.
