A G2-level geomagnetic storm is expected to happen this Sunday, Sep. 4, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A massive breach in the sun's atmosphere will let solar wind escape, causing a moderate-strength geomagnetic storm to strike Earth.

Magnificent CME Erupts on the Sun
(Photo : NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Wikimedia Commons)
Magnificent CME Erupts on the Sun

Interactions Between Solar Material and the Magnetosphere

According to Newsweek, intense currents are generated and the upper atmosphere is heated as a result of interactions between solar material and the magnetosphere.

This may have a variety of consequences, including increasing the drag on low-Earth orbiting satellites, changing the radio signal's route and causing errors in satellite navigation, and even generating dangerous currents in ground-based power networks. Colorful auroras in the sky can also result from these interactions.

What is a Geomagnetic Storm?

Geomagnetic storms are graded from G1 to G5, or mild to extreme, in order of increasing strength.

According to the SWPC, orbital projections may vary as a result of a G2 storm. It is caused by a combination of factors, including an increase in air drag, a decline in high-frequency radio propagation, potential voltage alarms in high-latitude power systems, and potential auroras in places like New York and Idaho. However, for people to see them, the conditions must be ideal.

The anticipated G2 storm is being driven by a CH HSS, or coronal hole high speed stream. A CH HHS, as its name suggests, is a stream of solar wind traveling at a high speed that has the potential to impact the magnetosphere of Earth.

These streams emerge from the sun's enormous, open unipolar magnetic field regions, which let the solar wind freely erupt into space. Depending on the imaging technique, coronal holes may appear as dark areas on the sun's surface because they are less dense and cooler than their surroundings.

Most people on Earth won't often notice geomagnetic storms, but those who work in specific industries might want to keep an eye on them. Geomagnetic storms happen around once a month, making them rather frequent. 

Depending on whether the sun's activity is increasing or decreasing during its approximately 11-year solar cycle, the storm frequency may rise or fall.

According to NASA, because of the comparatively low orbit of the Space Station, astronauts are not yet at risk. However, during space treks, they do have to be careful about cumulative exposure. Take note that an astronaut on a journey to the Moon or Mars would be at risk from the energetic particles from a flare or CME.

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Can Geostorm Affects Human?

The Earth's magnetic field has an effect on organisms living, according to Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences.

Changing the magnetic field at the Earth-strength level shows that the magnetic field has an impact on circadian rhythms at the physiological and tissue levels since small variations in the Earth's magnetic field cause modifications in circadian rhythms in animals.

Geomagnetic storms may also desynchronize a person's circadian rhythm due to the magnetic interference, affecting your pineal glands and elevating melatonin, disrupting your sleep and impairing your intuition.

 

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