Strong Solar Activity Triggers Geomagnetic Storms, SANSA Reports
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has warned that the strongest geomagnetic storm of the year so far is currently underway, with the potential to disrupt technological systems. SANSA added that the Sun has been particularly active over the past three days, with three X-class (strong) solar flares observed. A solar flare is a sudden burst of energy from the Sun that reaches Earth in about eight minutes, often causing high-frequency radio blackouts in daytime regions. X-class, or strong, solar flares were observed on Sunday, 9 November; Monday, 10 November; and Tuesday, 11 November.
All three solar flares were accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), clouds of charged particles hurled into space. Additionally, the CMEs triggered by the flares on Sunday and Monday combined and began impacting Earth early morning on November 12, around 01:30, resulting in G4, or severe, geomagnetic storm conditions. For context, geomagnetic storm levels are classified from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).
Auroras are rarely visible in South Africa due to the country’s distance from the polar regions. However, photographers may want to keep their cameras ready, as a dark, cloudless night is required to observe the phenomenon.
What are Geomagnetic Storms?
Geomagnetic storms are caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), vast clouds of charged particles released during solar explosions. When these particles reach Earth and interact with its magnetic field, they can trigger geomagnetic storms. These storms produce the spectacular auroras visible near the North and South Poles and also disrupt technological systems, such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), affecting aviation, maritime, and drone operations. Other systems impacted include communications, electrical power grids, and electronic infrastructure.
Geomagnetic Storm Classifications (G-scale)
The G-scale, used by space weather centres worldwide, categorises geomagnetic storms by intensity and potential impact. The scale ranges from G1 (minor), G2 (moderate), G3 (strong), G4 (severe), to G5 (extreme).
Monitoring and Tracking Space Weather
SANSA monitors the impact of geomagnetic storms as they reach Earth using a network of ground-based instruments across Africa, the Southern Ocean, and Antarctica. The agency collaborates with space weather centres worldwide to track these storms. While geomagnetic storms cannot be prevented, industries reliant on affected technological systems can implement mitigation measures to minimise their impact.
About the South African National Space Agency
SANSA IS committed to creating a lasting impact for the benefit of all South Africans through technological advancement and innovation. Established in 2010 under the South African National Space Agency Act, 36 of 2008, the agency aims to promote cooperation in space-related activities, advance research in space science, enhance scientific and engineering skills through human capital development, and support the development of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies.