On the morning of May 8, a significant solar flare occurred, the first since 2014. It was evident that the solar matter ejection was heading straight for Earth, with the storm expected on May 10-11. Scientific journals reported a considerable magnetic storm, but it was not extraordinarily strong.
The radiance enveloped the entire planet. In Cuba, within the northern tropics, it was luminous. And in Namibia, near the South Pole, it was already glowing. If the night was clear, it was visible no matter where you were.
Civilization has survived
Expectations were that cellular communications and computers would be severely disrupted, akin to a repeat of the 1859 Carrington phenomenon. However, such disruptions did not occur. Elon Musk did report that some of his satellites experienced issues. Additionally, the satellites monitoring solar wind temporarily went offline but later restored function autonomously. Meanwhile, operations on the ISS remained unaffected.
What conclusions can we draw? Are we to believe that our civilization is impervious to solar flares, given that shortwave communication is not our primary means of communication? Or is there another takeaway?
On one hand, it is evident that our systems can withstand a strong storm, as power lines and cellular communications remained intact. However, the true scale of the Carrington Event of 1859 in numerical terms is unknown; measurements of such parameters were not possible at the time. It is uncertain whether our current storms could compare to that historic event, leaving the question unresolved.
A storm of similar magnitude occurred in 2003, and it was even more powerful. Indeed, this is only the second time in the 21st century that such an event has happened, but not the first. Previously, similar storms were noted in 1989, when they disabled the power grid in Quebec, Canada. The power systems of the United States and Canada are somewhat outdated, lacking the robust safety margins of Soviet-era designs.
In short, enjoy the light show and then head home. There’s nothing extraordinary occurring. But that’s not so.
Firstly, for the countless time this year, the aurora is predominantly visible in the south for some reason. Messages from the north suggest a dimmer display, possibly due to poorer weather, the onset of white nights, or simply because northern observers are accustomed to frequent auroras. The exact cause remains uncertain.
Secondly, the auroras displayed a primarily red hue. The color of an aurora is influenced by the specific atmospheric gases involved and the energy of the process. It has been observed that the red halo is more common in the south, while the green core is typically seen in the north.
Thirdly, many online users unanimously reported an unusual lack of weather-related sensations as if they were in the midst of a storm, struggling to move.
Finally, there is the matter of the ionosphere being “blown away.” It appears that the solar wind has swept it aside. However, comparing the altitudes at which the solar wind operates with those of the ionosphere raises some perplexing questions.
It is believed that the Sun has remained constant in its activity, operating on a predictable schedule. However, the ionosphere, which is crucial for our existence, has undergone changes; it has become weaker. This weakening may be the reason for the severe storms and the unusual auroras we observe. Potentially, powerful low-frequency stations could harm it. Additionally, experiments similar to HAARP, which heat the ionosphere, provide fodder for conspiracy theories. Lastly, the hypothesis suggests that the ionosphere is deteriorating due to space debris. The minuscule metal particles are forming an alternative electric field, overshadowing the natural one.
What about the weather?
Numerous scientists assert that magnetic storms influence the weather, predicting an unusual summer ahead. There are two primary theories.
The first suggests that the destruction of the ionosphere distorts the electric field beneath it, which is responsible for forming clouds and cyclones, leading to the anomalies we observe.
The second theory posits that the Earth’s magnetic field, when intensely compressed by solar activity, starts to oscillate persistently and resonate with the atmosphere, causing disturbances.
Upon examination, these hypotheses seem not to contradict but rather complement each other. It is believed that this summer will be quite peculiar, with the possibility of frost in July following tropical temperatures.
Round Two as X-class flares are still ongoing
As of this moment, the magnetic field is tranquil. However, specialized publications suggest that Monday night will once again be illuminated by significant lights.
Indeed, solar flares persist on the Sun, some of which are quite intense.
A pathway for solar plasma has been established, with numerous particles already traveling along it toward Earth. Thus, the plasma is expected to reach Earth’s vicinity with minimal dissipation. The spectacle is predicted to commence as night approaches.
Is this the third day of the storm? It appears to be a repeat of the 2003 event, although reports indicate that the previous storm was more intense. This could spell trouble for those sensitive to meteorological changes.
In general, celestial phenomena that occur in the evening are much more resonant than those that occur in the early morning. In the same way, the waxing moon (in the evening) is seen by everyone, and the waning moon (in the morning) by few. That’s how we are.
As this topic is of significant interest, it will likely be revisited. Meanwhile, prepare for the upcoming night, which is expected to be luminous once again.
