{"id":11240,"date":"2025-04-09T07:17:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T05:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reuniwatt.com\/en\/?p=11240"},"modified":"2025-11-26T06:15:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T05:15:07","slug":"get-ready-for-the-next-solar-storm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reuniwatt.com\/en\/industry-news\/get-ready-for-the-next-solar-storm\/","title":{"rendered":"Forecasting the impact of solar storms"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are we truly ready for the next solar storm?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Sun is more than just a source of light and heat\u2014it is a dynamic and powerful force that can influence life on Earth in unexpected ways. Solar storms, caused by intense bursts of energy from the Sun have the potential to disrupt modern technology and pose risks to space travel, making it essential to understand and prepare for their impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>

What is a solar storm?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Solar storms are disturbances in space caused by intense activity on the Sun\u2019s surface, primarily driven by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events release vast amounts of energy and charged particles into space, influencing what is known as space weather. The Sun follows an 11-year cycle of activity, during which solar storms become more frequent during periods of high solar activity, known as solar maximum. When CMEs or high-energy particles from solar flares reach Earth, they interact with our planet\u2019s magnetic field, creating geomagnetic storms. It is important to note that not all CMEs hit Earth\u2014they must be Earth-directed to have an effect. Solar flares release energy almost instantly (light, X-rays), while CMEs are the main cause of geomagnetic storms due to charged particles.<\/p>\n

These storms can have significant impacts on modern technology and infrastructure. Monitoring solar activity is crucial for predicting and mitigating these effects. Space agencies and scientists track solar storms to provide early warnings, allowing industries to take preventive measures. Understanding solar storms is essential as our reliance on technology grows, ensuring the resilience of communication, navigation, and power systems against space weather disruptions.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Solar<\/span><\/div>

What are the consequences of solar storms?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Solar storms occur when the Sun releases bursts of energy and charged particles, which travel through space and interact with Earth\u2019s magnetic field. This interaction can lead to significant effects on space weather, impacting both natural phenomena and human technology.<\/p>\n

One key component of solar storms is solar flares, which are sudden and intense bursts of radiation resulting from magnetic energy release in the Sun\u2019s atmosphere. These flares emit X-rays and ultraviolet radiation, which can reach Earth in minutes, disrupting radio signals and affecting satellite operations. Though short-lived, solar flares can have immediate consequences for communication and navigation systems. Solar flares mostly affect the sunlit side of the Earth, which is why some satellite and aviation routes are more vulnerable depending on where Earth is facing.<\/p>\n

Another major factor is coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which involve the expulsion of massive clouds of charged particles from the Sun\u2019s outer layer, the corona. Unlike solar flares, CMEs take one to three days to reach Earth. When they collide with our planet\u2019s magnetic field, they can trigger powerful disturbances, affecting power grids, satellites, and GPS systems.<\/p>\n

These disturbances can lead to geomagnetic storms, which occur when CMEs or high-speed solar wind streams (HSSs) from coronal holes interact with Earth\u2019s magnetosphere. HSSs can cause geomagnetic storms especially during the declining phase of the solar cycle. Strong geomagnetic storms can cause widespread technological disruptions, such as power outages and satellite malfunctions. They also create spectacular auroras near the poles, known as the Northern and Southern Lights.\u00a0 The frequency of solar storms depends on the Sun\u2019s 11-year cycle, which alternates between high and low activity. During the solar maximum, solar flares and CMEs occur more frequently, increasing the likelihood of solar storms. In contrast, during the solar minimum, solar activity decreases, and storms become less common.<\/p>\n

While minor solar storms are frequent, powerful storms capable of major disruptions are rare. Scientists closely monitor the Sun to predict these events and mitigate their potential impact on Earth\u2019s infrastructure.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Historic solar storms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Major events happened in the past and had a significant impact on the growing interest for solar storms, as their severity have direct consequences on human activities:<\/p>\n