Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are facing an unexpectedly prolonged mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally planned as an eight-day mission, the astronauts may now remain on the ISS until 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances.
A series of powerful solar events are expected to impact Earth, satellites, power grids and ISS over the next few days. Three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are currently headed towards our planet, with the potential to cause significant geomagnetic disturbances.
The first two CMEs were launched by M-class solar flares on August 7, and while these are considered minor, the third CME, propelled by an X1.3-class solar flare on August 8, is far more powerful. This CME is of particular concern due to its potential impact on Earth’s magnetosphere.
The X1.3-class flare originated from the active sunspot AR3777. This solar flare produced an extreme ultraviolet flash, which was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. The flare also caused a shortwave radio blackout affecting regions from North America to Hawaii.
Following the flare, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) detected a halo CME heading directly for Earth. This CME is traveling at speeds exceeding 1,000 kilometers per second and is expected to reach Earth by August 11-12, compounding the effects of the earlier CMEs.
The combined impact of these solar events is expected to elevate geomagnetic storm levels to category G3 (Strong). This could result in mid-latitude auroras being visible in the USA and Europe, and it may disrupt GPS, radio communications, and power systems.
The upcoming geomagnetic storm could have serious implications for the ISS, where Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are stationed. The storm could also affect technological infrastructure on Earth, prompting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue a geomagnetic storm watch.
Space weather experts are closely monitoring the situation as the solar particles approach Earth. Mariners, ham radio operators, and those relying on satellite-based systems are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential disruptions.