A huge solar storm is hitting Earth and could cause internet blackouts
A solar storm predicted to hit Earth on Friday (December 1) may cause internet blackouts, according to forecasters. Radio and GPS could also be affected due to the solar storm, also known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is caused by interference with Earth’s magnetic field. "A Direct Hit! The impressive #solarstorm launched in the Earth-strike zone has been modeledmodelled by NASA," space weather physicist Dr Skov posted on Twitter/X. "The storm is predicted to hit Earth by midday December 1. Along with two earlier storms already en route means we have a 1,2,3-punch. If the magnetic field is oriented correctly, expect #aurora to reach deep into mid-latitudes." She added: "Amateur #radio & #GPS reception issues are likely, especially on Earth's nightside. G3+ conditions are possible with this storm series." A solar storm can have substantial effects on the Earth, taking place when the sun emits powerful bursts of energy which come from solar flares and CME that contain charged plasma. During which, a stream of an electromagnetic field is directed towards Earth and this causes the aurora borealis. Three solar storms were predicted to advance towards Earth – and some may merge, resulting in increased disruptions to Earth’s magnetic field, according to The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “Along with two earlier storms already en route [this] means we have a 1,2,3-punch,” Dr Skov said. Consequently, she added there are “excellent chances” of strong G3-level magnetic storms and auroras on Earth. The way the strength of a solar storm is measured is with the letter G and then a number system from 1-5 (1 being the weakest, to 5 being the strongest). So a G3 level storm means radio, internet and GPS could be affected due to the strength of these events. Solar storms are also known to cause electrical grids and knock out satellites, depending on their strength. Meanwhile, experts have warned the solar storm thought to occur today may impact communication systems in high latitudes. “With 3 CMEs already inbound, the addition of a 4th, full halo CME has prompted SWPC forecasters to upgrade the G2 Watch on 01 Dec to a G3 Watch. This faster-moving halo CME is progged to merge with 2 of the 3 upstream CMEs, all arriving at Earth on 01 Dec,” the NOAA said. “G3 (strong) conditions are now likely on 01 Dec,” it added. How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-12-01 23:15
Cyprus and Chevron reach a deal to develop an offshore natural gas field, ending years of delays
An official says the Cyprus government and U.S. energy company Chevron have reached a deal on how to develop the Aphrodite gas field, the first to be discovered under the seafloor off Cyprus
2023-12-01 22:59
Tesla falls on long wait for Cybertruck payoff, hefty price tag
By Samrhitha A and Chavi Mehta Tesla shares fell more than 3% on Friday after the highly anticipated
2023-12-01 22:59
Associated Press correspondent Roland Prinz, who spent decades covering Europe, dies at age 85
A former Associated Press correspondent who spent four decades covering the Cold War and the fall of communism has died at age 85
2023-12-01 22:53
NYC’s $15 Congestion Pricing Risks Delay From New Jersey Lawsuit
While New York City’s push to charge motorists $15 to enter Manhattan’s congested central business district next year
2023-12-01 22:53
Canadian factory downturn deepens as new orders hit 15-month low
By Fergal Smith TORONTO Canada's manufacturing sector contracted for a seventh straight month in November as global industrial
2023-12-01 22:52
Israeli survivors of the Oct. 7 music festival attack seek to cope with trauma at a Cyprus retreat
Dozens of young Israeli men and women who survived the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre at a rave party in southern Israel have been taking part in support sessions to help deal with their trauma at a retreat in Cyprus
2023-12-01 22:50
Ukrainian spy agency stages train explosions on a Russian railroad in Siberia, Ukrainian media say
Ukrainian media are reporting that the country's spy agency staged two successive train explosions on a railroad line in Siberia that serves as a key conduit for trade between Russia and China
2023-12-01 22:49
AP Exclusive: America's Black attorneys general discuss race, politics and the justice system
The American legal system has never faced greater challenges or demands for reform from people of all races and across the political spectrum
2023-12-01 22:28
AP PHOTOS: Rosalynn Carter's farewell tracing her 96 years from Plains to the world and back
Former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter has been memorialized with three days of public ceremonies and tributes
2023-12-01 22:27
Canada gains 24,900 jobs in November, jobless rate rises to 5.8%
OTTAWA The Canadian economy added a net 24,900 jobs in November, more than expected, while the jobless rate
2023-12-01 22:27
Crypto stocks set to start December on a high note as bitcoin hits near 19-month high
Shares of crypto miners and bitcoin-tracking companies climbed in premarket trading on Friday as the world's largest cryptocurrency
2023-12-01 22:26