The most powerful geomagnetic storm, of the G-5 category, is on the way? The Sun has been throwing some scary bouts lately, and the possibility of that happening is always there. This is what is happening. When particles thrown by our Sun interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere after a Solar eruption, large amounts of matter will crash into Earth. Earth’s magnetic field lines are temporarily disturbed, and they release extremely high amounts of magnetic energy, causing the formation of geomagnetic storms. Most geomagnetic storms caused on Earth are classified as G1 or G2, which are relatively low intensity. But that doesn’t mean the planet is safe from the effects of a powerful, higher-class geomagnetic storm.
Recently, astrophysicists have discovered huge sunspots on the sun’s surface, forming a spotted pattern. Although up to 8-10 sunspots are commonly observed on the Earth-facing side of SunThis observation is particularly important because Sunspots, AR3256 and AR3257, have been observed growing.
The larger the sunspot, the more massive it will cause, releasing more solar matter. If this solar matter reaches Earthit could cause the extremely dangerous Category G5 Geomagnetic Storm, which could lead to one of the most intense geomagnetic storms witnessed since the Carrington event of 1859, causing numerous fires at stations telegraph as well as the aurora around the world.
G5-class geomagnetic storm: How dangerous is it?
Although some Sunspots on the Sun’s surface never even explode, it’s important to know about the potential impact of such a violent outburst of Solar matter. Category G5 geomagnetic storms are the most powerful geomagnetic events ever observed. These storms have the potential to disrupt all forms of wireless communications, including GPS, cellular networks, and satellite communications. These storms can even damage infrastructure on the ground by damaging repeaters in undersea internet cables and blocking internet and cell phone connections. The power grid is also prone to oscillations and has the potential to cause irreparable damage.
G5-class geomagnetic storms can even destroy small satellites in lower Earth orbit and damage sensitive equipment of satellites in higher orbits. High voltage fluxes in the atmosphere can also cause serious damage to electronic equipment.
