Space experts have claimed that a stream of “high-speed” solar winds are currently battering Earth, and the consequences could be severe. A hole has opened up in the Sun’s atmosphere, releasing the particles into deep space. Holes like this are common, and researchers say we are now in the midst of the outpouring of solar particles which will effect Earth within the next 24 hours.
This could range from stunning auroras to a hinderance of technology.
Cosmic forecasting site Space Weather stated: “A stream of high-speed solar wind is buffeting Earth’s magnetic field today, setting the stage for geomagnetic unrest around the poles.
“The gaseous material is flowing from a hole in the sun’s atmosphere. Solar wind effects are expected to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours.”
As the Earth is hit by the particles, auroras could happen in the coming days.
Auroras, which include northern lights – aurora borealis – and southern lights – aurora australis, are caused when solar particles hit the atmosphere.
As the magnetosphere gets bombarded by solar winds, stunning blue lights can appear as that layer of the atmosphere deflects the particles.
However, researchers also not that the consequences of a solar storm can be far more severe than northern or southern lights.
For the most part, the Earth’s magnetic field protects humans from the barrage of radiation which comes from sunspots, but solar storms can affect satellite-based technology.
Solar winds can heat the Earth’s outer atmosphere, causing it to expand.
This can affect satellites in orbit, potentially leading to a lack of GPS navigation, mobile phone signal and satellite TV such as Sky.
Additionally, a surge of particles can lead to high currents in the magnetosphere, which can lead to higher than normal electricity in power lines, resulting in electrical transformers and power stations blow outs and a loss of power.
The higher amounts of radiation also leave people vulnerable to cancer.
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