Warning: The largest solar storm in 20 years will visit Earth this weekend.

Warning: The largest solar storm in 20 years will visit Earth this weekend. Preparing to initially encounter Aurora may affect satellites and electrical grids. But it does not affect human health.

On May 11, 2024, the Facebook page “NARIT, National Astronomical Research Institute” posted a message that read, “Warning: The largest solar storm in 20 years will visit Earth this weekend. But it's not dangerous. Observers in high latitudes are preparing to encounter the aurora borealis.”

“NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), a US agency that monitors solar storms. NASA has announced the discovery of a G5 solar storm, the most intense solar storm in 20 years, coming to visit Earth this weekend. An initial warning about the possible effects on satellites and electrical networks in the Polar countries, but it does not affect human health in any way. Observers in high latitudes can expect the aurora borealis throughout this weekend.

“Friday, May 10, 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned of the detection of a G4 solar storm, and later upgraded the storm to a G5, the highest solar storm intensity classification. Solar storms result from a coronal mass ejection (CME). These solar masses are created by charged particles. When these charged particles move, they may cause interference and distort the Earth's magnetic field. When the Earth's magnetic field is disturbed, this will allow some particles to enter the Earth's upper atmosphere and generate the northern lights – what we call “aurora”.

“The intensity of solar storms can be measured in several ways, from the Kp index to the G scale, which is used to measure the level of extremely intense solar storms, from G1 to G5, which are intense storms reaching land during this weekend that have been classified as a G5 storm, which is the highest level.” On par with Kp9 the last time a G5 warning was issued was on Halloween 2003, making it the most intense solar storm in history.

“Normally, the Sun's solar mass is released and usually originates from regions on the Sun's surface with fluctuating magnetic fields. This causes plasma to escape from the Sun and be released. From Earth, we can observe this region of fluctuating magnetic fields. In the form of sunspots, this coincides with The year with the maximum solar period in the solar cycle of 11 years, which will be able to find the most common point of death, so this solar storm phenomenon is a normal behavior of the sun and there may be more solar storms that will follow during the peak period The solar system we currently live in.

“When a solar storm reaches Earth most of these charged particles are deflected by the Earth's protective magnetic field. Only a small portion can bend along the geomagnetic lines of force and hit the upper layers of the atmosphere, creating auroras. In the case of a large mass release As in a violent solar storm, the plasma in the solar mass may interact with the Earth's magnetic field, causing the Earth's magnetic field to deviate. Therefore, particles can affect the atmosphere and cause aurora borealis at lower latitudes than usual The aurora appears in a wider circle than usual, but the altitude of the area where the aurora occurs is still considered much higher than where humans live and is therefore not harmful to human or animal health in any way.

“But solar storms may also affect electronic equipment that may be sensitive to changes in electrical fields, such as communications satellites orbiting above the Earth’s atmosphere. Sometimes they may affect the world’s electrical grid. For countries located at high latitudes, for example, they cause The G5 solar storm that occurred in 2003 temporarily knocked out power in Sweden and damaged some electrical transformers in South Africa.

“Normally, communications satellites have measures to protect against solar storms, such as turning off or turning off equipment that may be at risk of damage. Therefore, it can significantly reduce the interference that may occur to the communications system. Currently, the electrical system has good measures to prevent Damage that may occur.

“For Thailand, due to its location near the equator, our country is well protected by the Earth’s magnetic field. Therefore, this solar storm will have little impact. However, Thais living in high latitude countries may be able to observe the aurora borealis throughout this weekend.” .

“In addition, aware of this impact, DDS has joined forces with Mahidol University. It has carried out a research project on sun-related phenomena and effects. Manufacture of space exploration equipment. Measurement of cosmic rays and tracking their impact on the world. Sent with the Chang'e 7 spacecraft within the framework of the International Lunar Research Station project. (International Lunar Research Station) to study the phenomenon and its effects, including developing models for use to accurately inform the public in the future. This is considered pioneering research to expand knowledge regarding space weather on a global level in the future. This is considered to be in line with the SDR's mission to continue building Thailand's world-class collaboration and research capabilities.

Prepared by: Dr. Matiphon Tangmatitam – Academician, Ph.D.

Thank you for the information: Facebook page NARIT, National Institute for Astronomical Research.