Earth Braces for upcoming solar storms during the Solar Maximum. Know what NASA said.
Solar storms are expected to peak soon. It is obvious considering that the Solar Peak is just around the corner. In 2019, a panel discussion by NOAA, NASA, and the International Space Environment Services (ISES) forecasted that Solar Cycle 25, following the relatively weak Solar Cycle 24, would also be subdued, peaking in July 2025 with a maximum sunspot number of 115. Solar Cycle 24, the weakest in a century, reached a peak sunspot number of just 116, well below the average of 179.
However, NOAA's latest prediction suggests a slightly stronger Solar Cycle 25, though still below average in strength. A solar cycle usually lasts around 11 years which is the periodic change in the activity of the Sun between the most and least observed number of sunspots, areas where the magnetic field is about 2,500 times stronger than Earth's.
However, some latest reports suggested that the “The updated prediction now calls for Solar Cycle 25 to peak between January and October of 2024, with a maximum sunspot number between 137 and 173,” NOAA predicted in a report. What impact does it pose on Earth? Is NASA prepared for the effect? Know all the details.
Solar Cycle Peak Impact On Earth
Solar maximums, occurring midway through solar cycles, can trigger heightened solar activity, leading to powerful solar storms, flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These disturbances pose risks to Earth's satellites, telecommunications, and power grids, potentially causing radio blackouts, induced currents in electrical systems, and major blackouts.
Moreover, solar storms can endanger astronauts and spacecraft in Earth's orbit, disrupting communication channels. During these periods of intense solar activity, precautions must be taken to safeguard vital systems and ensure the safety of both terrestrial and space-based operations.
NASA’s Preparation For Solar Maximum
In March 2023, NASA unveiled a computer model that combines the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite data to provide advanced warning for potentially hazardous space weather events. This innovative system, designed to analyse spacecraft measurements of the solar wind and can predict where an impending solar storm will strike anywhere on Earth, offering a crucial 30-minute lead time.
This early warning capability could prove invaluable in mitigating the severe impacts of solar storms on critical infrastructure, such as power grids, allowing for timely preparatory measures to be taken. The model, developed by NASA's DAGGER (Deep Applied machine learninG for Geospace Event Response) team, has already demonstrated its effectiveness in accurately forecasting the impacts of two significant geomagnetic storms that occurred in August 2011 and March 2015.
During testing, DAGGER quickly and precisely forecasted the global consequences of these storms, showcasing its potential as a powerful tool in safeguarding vital systems from the disruptive effects of space weather phenomena.
