Recently, news has been dominating the internet stating that Earth might soon experience geomagnetic storms. Space weather experts and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have also issued a warning that an M3.5 solar flare is expected to hit Earth soon.
As we are moving ahead with the Solar Maximum in Solar Cycle 25, activities on the Sun, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares, have also increased. On March 17, an eruption occurred, dubbed the “Canyon of Fire”. Due to this, debris spread in space, which was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).
Earth in the Path of a Forecasted M3.5 Solar Flare
Dr. Tamitha Skov, a renowned space weather expert, stated,
“An M3.5 solar flare from a new region not yet in Earth’s view has caused an R1-level radio blackout.”
One thing space experts are curious about is the celestial light that appears in the form of auroras. According to NASA’s prediction, the eruption’s CME will soon hit Earth’s magnetic field, around March 20. It also aligns with the Russell-McPherron effect, creating high chances of auroral displays and geomagnetic storms.
As stated above, NOAA issued a storm alert about a G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm occurring near March 20. They have also warned of a potential R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackout that may occur from March 18 to March 20.
This will affect GPS reception and radio communication on Earth. It should be noted that it’s not clear where the M3.5 solar flare will hit.
The news has taken the internet by storm, causing tension and curiosity about the solar flare. Social media is filled with memes and posts that provide information about it. Many news agencies are covering the story, but still, the exact location of where it will hit is not clear.”
