Geomagnetic storm from the Sun to hit Earth tonight

A geomagnetic storm from the sun could hit Earth at dawn on Wednesday, a phenomenon that scientists have never expected.

According to meteorologists, this storm coincides with the autumn equinox.

A coronal mass ejection (CME), when plasma and magnetic particles burst from the sun’s surface, reportedly occurred last Sunday. And it was the same day as the official start of fall, reports Space.com.

A sunspot called AR3835 is thought to have unexpectedly emitted an M-class solar flare, surprising scientists. The sunspot appeared stable.

The phenomenon promises to be impressive, but above all very imminent.

Indeed, the CME could cause a geomagnetic storm due to the Russell-McPherron effect, as the event occurs right on the autumn equinox.

At the same time as the autumn equinox

During the spring and autumn equinoxes, which typically occur around March 20 and September 22, respectively, geomagnetic storms and space weather activity tend to peak.

The Earth therefore orients its poles, aligning its magnetic field with that of the Sun.

Such conditions make CMEs more likely than during the rest of the year, when the magnetospheres are misaligned, deflecting charged particles.

Data collected from 1932 to 2014 also show that geomagnetic storms are, on average, about twice as likely around the equinoxes as around the solstices, explains Space.com.

Northern Lights

Normally, geomagnetic storms can disrupt communications and power infrastructure and, in extreme cases, cause power outages.

According to scientists, this time there will be no need to prepare for an apocalypse or an electrical crisis.

There is no reason to be alarmed, because according to a publication by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the geomagnetic conditions induced by the CME would be a G1 or “minor” storm.

The mass of solar plasma moving at more than a million kilometers per hour will only superficially hit the magnetosphere, the protective layer of the Earth.

At high altitudes, these geomagnetic storms can also cause stunning light shows.

Tomorrow, the northern lights could be visible in North America, including Quebec.