An impressive solar storm is hitting the earth these days. It causes the Northern Lights visible up to unusual latitudes.
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The Space Weather Prediction Center released geomagnetic storm monitoring on Monday. Storm G2 – considered moderate by the agency – is due to the early arrival of a coronal mass ejection from the sun. And tonight, the dawns did not fail. They lit the skies of twelve American states including New York City.
The Northern Lights, also known as the polar lights, are caused by a flow of charged particles escaping from the Sun. [connu sous le nom de vent solaire] and interact with the magnetic field of our planet as well as the atmosphere. Interaction with these charged particles excites the gases in our atmosphere, causing them to glow.
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The sun is heading for a peak of activity
The Space Weather Prediction Center said that fluctuations in the power grid, irregularities in the orientation of spacecraft and other effects (such as endangering astronauts) are possible because of this storm. This phenomenon occurs as we approach a peak of solar activity. This 11-year cycle is expected to culminate in 2025. And by then we may be affected by more severe storms, which can create significant disturbances.
A 2019 study showed that the sun is capable of producing volleys of solar radiation, dubbed “superflares”. Just one of these super-eruptions could wipe out all technology on Earth, throwing the planet into chaos. Lead expert Dr. Yuta Notsu, University of Colorado, said: “Our study shows that superflares are rare events… But it is possible that we may experience such an event in the next 100 years. “
So, if the Northern Lights enchant us all, it would be better not to see too many …
Read also> Parker Solar Probe hits the Sun for the 9th time
Source : space.com
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