![]() Northern lights occur when plasma from Sun strikes Earth’s magnetic fieldĬMEs can of course take place anywhere on the Sun’s outer surface however, if one happens when the Earth is in its direct path, the collision of the solar plasma with the magnetic field that encircles the Earth can cause a geomagnetic storm.īeautiful to look at from space - and from Earth as well, as iridescent hues dance across the poles - these “solar storms” cause all manner of havoc if they occur at the wrong times. ![]() Experts say that there will be more such occurrences in the upcoming years, with solar winds causing disruptions to our magnetic fields and the upper atmosphere on Earth to follow. Such cyclical events are in the normal pattern for our Sun, which periodically emits huge flaming fingers of plasma into space. ![]() These include electromagnetic radiation, which are observed as solar flares. As these magnetic fields evolve, they can reach a point of instability and release energy in a variety of forms. Solar flares usually take place in active regions on the Sun marked by the presence of strong magnetic fields. The increased level of X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation results in ionization in the lower layers of the ionosphere on the sunlit side of Earth. The sudden outburst of electromagnetic energy travels at the speed of light, therefore any effect upon the sunlit side of Earth’s exposed outer atmosphere occurs at the same time the event is observed, according to NOAA. Solar flares are large eruptions of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun lasting from minutes to hours. On the other hand, the light show tonight across the northern hemisphere might be a memorable one. NOAA said in its statement “Event analysis and model output suggest CME arrival around midday on October 11 (in the United States) with lingering effects persisting into October 12.” The Aurora borealis can be viewed online in real time from the NOAA website.
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