Thailand’s Space Agency Detects Geomagnetic Storm, Monitors Solar Activity
Thailand’s Office of Space Technology and Geographic Facts (gistda), a public organization, issued an alert regarding a G4-level magnetic storm following important solar activity. the agency reported that on May 30-31, the sun emitted substantial energy, triggering concerns about potential impacts on Earth.
Solar Flare and CME eruptions
The AR4100 sunspot region was identified as the source of both a solar flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME). Gistda noted that these events were directed toward Earth, raising the possibility of geomagnetic disturbances.
Did You No?
Coronal mass ejections are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s corona. When directed at Earth, they can cause geomagnetic storms.
Geomagnetic Storm Reaches Earth
On June 1, the CME arrived at Earth, prompting concerns about a potentially strong magnetic storm, classified as G4 on the NOAA scale. Gistda closely monitored the situation, assessing the potential effects on various systems.
Potential Impacts and Aurora Display
Geomagnetic storms can disrupt navigation systems, medical communication systems, and satellite operations.Additionally, these storms often lead to the mesmerizing aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and aurora australis (Southern Lights) in high-latitude regions. Initially, Thailand was not expected to be directly affected.
gistda Detects G3-Level Storm in Thailand
However, later on June 1, around 9:00 PM, Gistda issued an update, stating that their sensors had detected a G3-level magnetic storm in Thailand. This development was attributed to the CME released from the AR4100 sunspot region on May 31.
Detected world -class magnetic storms (G3) in Thailand Which is caused by the eruption of the CME released from the dark area. AR4100 on May 31
Magnetic Field Disturbance Measured
The local K Index,used to measure the Earth’s magnetic field in Thailand,reached a value of 7 out of a maximum of 9. This indicated a moderate to severe disturbance of the magnetic field, potentially affecting satellite pilot systems, causing temporary inaccuracies, disrupting high-frequency radio signals (HF), and impacting satellite operations.
Pro Tip
the K-index is a quasi-logarithmic local index of geomagnetic activity relative to a calm day curve for the recording site. It measures the deviation of the most disturbed component of the magnetic field compared to what is expected on a quiet day.
Storm Intensity Fluctuates
Gistda’s ongoing monitoring revealed that the geomagnetic storm reached a maximum intensity between G2 and G3 levels from approximately 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on June 1. Fortunately,this intensity did not significantly impact Thailand,and the storm gradually subsided,returning to normal levels by the morning of June 2.
The world storm is found at the G2 level to the maximum at G3, around 19:00 – 22:00 hrs. Which does not have any impact on Thailand and has decreased continuously until entering the normal state of the morning of 2 June 68
Solar Cycle 25 Peak
The year 2025 falls within the peak period of solar Cycle 25, indicating that solar activity, including sunspots and eruptions, is expected to remain frequent and intense.
Continued Monitoring
Gistda has committed to closely monitoring space weather and providing updates and alerts if any future events pose a potential threat to Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- what is a geomagnetic storm? A disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar activity.
- What are the potential impacts? Disruption of navigation, communication, and satellite systems.
- Was Thailand affected? Initially, no, but a G3 storm was detected, with minimal impact.
- what is Gistda doing? Monitoring space weather and providing alerts.
