'60 times Earth’s width': 10,000 satellites face decimation as Sun enters 'Battle Zone' phase
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Solar Maximum
The sun is at its most active phase, hurling powerful flares and charged particles at Earth. This solar maximum phase creates dazzling auroras but also triggers intense geomagnetic storms.
Battle Zone
A newly identified phase, the “battle zone,” follows solar maximum. Overlapping magnetic bands intensify solar activity, with heightened geomagnetic storms expected to last until 2028.
Coronal Holes
During the battle zone, dark magnetic patches called coronal holes appear. These holes unleash solar wind gusts capable of bombarding Earth’s atmosphere, with devastating effects on satellites.
Geomagnetic Threat
Scott McIntosh of Lynker Space warns that geomagnetic activity in Earth’s atmosphere could rise by 50%, increasing the risk of satellite damage and communication disruptions.
Aurora Hunters
The battle zone enhances auroras, offering frequent, vibrant light shows. However, the same geomagnetic activity responsible for these displays endangers satellites and space operations.
Satellites at Risk
Earth’s swelling upper atmosphere, caused by solar particles, creates drag on orbiting spacecraft. Experts fear record satellite launches, like SpaceX's Starlink, will worsen the risk of catastrophic failures.
Hale Cycle
The sun’s 22-year Hale cycle adds complexity to its activity. Magnetic bands overlap, driving post-maximum solar storms, highlighting the sun’s intricate and less-studied behavior.
Credit: NASA
Coronal Fallout
A 2023 coronal hole 60 times Earth’s width unleashed powerful solar wind, disrupting Mars’ atmosphere. Such phenomena showcase the battle zone’s global and interplanetary consequences.
Future Concerns
With over 10,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit, McIntosh cautions that space weather during the battle zone will test businesses reliant on satellite networks, impacting industries worldwide.