Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre has issued an alert for a geomagnetic storm expected to affect Earth on July 24, 2024. The storm could bring aurora borealis to New York.
The geomagnetic storm is linked to a coronal mass ejection (CME) released from the Sun on July 21. This CME is moving towards Earth and is anticipated to arrive on July 24.
CMEs contain electrically charged particles, or ions. When these ions collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, they can trigger geomagnetic storms. The resulting interaction with atmospheric gases produces the northern lights, or aurora borealis.
While aurora borealis is commonly seen in polar regions, its appearance in New York is relatively rare, making this event notable for the city.
NOAA classifies geomagnetic storms using a G-scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (major). The current storm has been classified as a G2-class, indicating a moderate level of intensity.
Geomagnetic storms can disrupt technological systems. They have the potential to cause surges in electrical currents, leading to power grid overloads and blackouts.
CMEs can damage satellites in low Earth orbit by creating increased radio static and impacting satellite operations due to atmospheric changes.
Geomagnetic storms may affect radio transmissions by increasing interference and static in the ionosphere.
CMEs can also warm Earth’s atmosphere, making it denser and potentially affecting satellite travel through this thicker medium.