A Geomagnetic Storm
Recently, the solar wind entered the Earth’s atmosphere through a crack in the mantle of the Earth’s magnetic field. This has generated a G1-category geomagnetic storm (GMS).
- The south-pointing magnetic fields of the solar wind weakened Earth’s magnetic shield. Due to this this rift has arisen.
- GMS is a disturbance in the Earth’s magnetosphere. The magnetosphere is the region around the Earth that is controlled by its magnetic field.
- The Earth’s magnetic field protects the Earth from most of the particles emitted by the Sun.
- It occurs due to the massive exchange of energy through the solar wind with the space around the Earth.
- GMS is classified between G1 and G5. G5 are the strongest geomagnetic storms.
Effects of GMS-
- These create the bright red aurora. These disrupt navigation systems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
- In addition, they generate harmful Geomagnetic Induced Currents (GICs) in power grids and pipelines.
- These damage the electronic structure of the satellite. Also, astronauts and pilots of aircraft flying at high altitudes are exposed to more radiation.
- Red auroras are produced when solar particles react with oxygen at high altitudes (usually above 150 miles).
- At this altitude the concentration of oxygen is low. Thus the oxygen at this altitude is excited at a higher frequency or at a higher wavelength than the denser oxygen present at lower altitudes. Due to this red color starts appearing.
Source – Hindustan Times
