The Sun is back in the spotlight from the scientific community and ground-based technology operators. A moderate solar storm It has attracted the attention of international organizations and experts around the world due to its potential to disrupt infrastructure and its impact on the night sky.
These types of events not only fascinate astronomers and curious people, but also They remind us of the fragility of our communication, navigation and electricity supply systems. against the vagaries of space weather. The current episode coincides with a period of maximum solar activity and with new scientific advances seeking to better anticipate the impact of future solar storms.
A crack in the Sun releases solar wind: Geomagnetic storm warning for June 14
El Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), from NOAA, has issued an alert for this Saturday, June 14, in view of the arrival of a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole, a particular area of the solar atmosphere where the magnetic field opens and allows the massive exit of charged particles.
The official classification for this event is a geomagnetic storm G2, which means moderate intensity on a scale of 1 to 5. These phenomena can cause unusual northern and southern lights in areas much further south (or north) than usual, in addition to slight disturbances in satellites, power grids and navigation systems.
The solar crack detected In the southern hemisphere of the Sun, it has been described as an open channel on the surface through which solar particles escape at high speed. This flow, now heading towards Earth, is expected to cause:
- Minor variations in satellite orbits
- Interference in radio communications and navigation
- Possible fluctuations in high-latitude power grids
- Auroras appear in unusual regions, such as Germany, the northern United States, Canada, New Zealand, and southern Chile.
The main impact It is planned between Saturday night and Sunday morning, but it is not ruled out that the activity persist throughout the weekend, opening up the possibility of observing auroras in unusual places.
Solar cycle 25 and the rebound in activity
The current solar cycle, number 25, has exceeded expectations of the experts in terms of activity. Since its inception in December 2019, There has been a notable increase in sunspots and coronal mass ejections, although this particular episode is caused by high-speed solar wind and not a CME.
During last year Category G3 and G4 geomagnetic storms have been recorded, more intense than the one forecast for June 14, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and preparation for possible impacts on critical infrastructure.
Scientists have warned that as the Sun approaches its peak activity, Episodes like the current one are becoming more common and difficult to predict.The possibility of a solar superstorm, although rare, remains a matter of special attention for the scientific community and infrastructure operators.
What specific effects are expected and how to prepare?
The G2 alert issued by NOAA points to rather mild or moderate effects on satellites, power grids, and communication systems. Recommendations for observing the auroras include seeking out places with minimal light pollution, taking advantage of the hours near dawn or dusk, and using cameras or cell phones in night mode to capture the phenomenon.
As for the impact in Spain, the probability of seeing auroras is very low due to the latitude and the lack of nighttime darkness due to the proximity of the summer solstice. However, in regions of northern Europe and America, the expectation is somewhat higher.
The phenomenon of auroras originates when solar particles collide with atoms in the upper atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of light and drawing curtains of color that can be very spectacular.
Space surveillance and technological advances in solar storm prediction
Constant surveillance and monitoring of space weather is becoming increasingly important to mitigate risks in modern infrastructure. Dedicated satellites and missions, as well as specialized ground stations, enable real-time data collection and better anticipate possible effects of these storms.
The scientific community underlines the value of the new international instruments and missions to observe the Sun from different angles and depths. Recent advances include:
- Solar orbiter (ESA): first mission to capture detailed images of the solar poles, essential for understanding the origin of solar cycles and improving storm prediction.
- Proba-3 (ESA): an innovative project that has successfully simulated an artificial solar eclipse in space to closely study the solar corona, where many of these phenomena occur.
- Instruments such as the SPICE spectrograph or the PHI detector: they measure the movement and composition of solar plasma, allowing detailed mapping of the areas of greatest activity and anticipating changes in the solar magnetic field.
Thanks to the data collected by these missions, early warning systems are being perfected and modernizing response protocols for operators of sensitive infrastructure, such as power grids, telecommunications, and air navigation.
The challenge of anticipating solar behavior
Although technological and scientific advances are very significant, The Sun still holds many mysteries related to the accurate prediction of their cycles and storm intensity. It is expected that in the coming years, with the arrival of new data from current missions, will improve anticipation and reaction in the face of extreme episodes.
Experts highlight the importance of centralize and share information obtained through observatories, international missions and new ground stations, such as the one recently inaugurated at the University of Alcalá, which will allow solar activity to be monitored more effectively and in a coordinated manner.
This episode demonstrates how science and technology are advancing hand in hand to ensure the protection of our society from unpredictable natural phenomena. Constant monitoring of space weather and international collaboration allow for action with less uncertainty and greater security in the face of the threat of a major solar storm.