GeoMagnetic and Magnetic Storms

Some disturbances in the earth’s magnetosphere occur because of the interaction of solar wind waves and clouds of magnetic fields with the earth’s magnetic field. This disturbance is known as a geomagnetic storm; the sources that result in geomagnetic storms are a solar coronal mass ejection (CME), a stream of solar wind coming from a coronal hole at high speed. Increases and decreases in the sunspot cycle decide the frequency of magnetic storms. Initial, main, and recovery are the three phases of a geomagnetic storm.

What Are the Types of Solar Storms? 

Solar storms are of the following types:

1. Solar Flares 

An instant outbreak of electromagnetic radiation in the sun’s atmosphere is known as solar flares. These solar flares are usually seen in active regions and often but not every time, occur with the coronal mass ejections (CME) and other solar phenomena. 

2. Coronal Mass Ejection

 Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) refers to a notable release of plasma and a magnetic field through the solar corona. They frequently follow the solar flares and are generally present during a solar eruption.

3. Geomagnetic Storm

Some disturbances in the earth’s magnetosphere occur because of the interaction of solar wind waves and clouds of magnetic fields with the earth’s magnetic field. This disturbance is known as a geomagnetic storm.

4. Solar Particle Events

Solar particle events refer to the phenomenon that occurs when photons emitted by the sun become sped up either close to the sun or in interplanetary space by coronal mass ejection and shocks.

Important Points Related to Geomagnetic Storms

1. What is the earth’s magnetosphere? 

The earth’s magnetosphere is a shield created by the earth’s magnetic field, which protects our mother earth from dangerous solar and cosmic particle radiation and solar wind erosion. A magnetic storm decreases the earth’s magnetic field strength present in the earth’s atmosphere. This decrease can be seen up to 6 to 12 hours; the earth’s magnetic field recovers in several days. The earth’s magnetosphere is the hardest magnetosphere among all the other planets.

2. What is a sunspot?

Sunspots are the phenomena caused by the sun’s magnetic field disturbance on the sun’s photosphere. These spots are the temporary spots that occur in the sun’s photosphere. These sunspots are darker than the surrounding areas of the sun’s photosphere.

Effects of the Geomagnetic Storm on our Earth 

1. Space Weather 

A magnetic storm occurs when solar flares cause damage to space weather. It must be noted that all the solar flares do not reach the earth. But those solar flares that come close to the earth can impact space weather in the earth’s upper atmosphere.

2. Space-Dependent Services

The operations of space-dependent services are vulnerable to damage through solar storms. Global Positioning Systems (GPS), radio, and satellite communications are space-dependent services. Aeroplane flights, power grids, and space exploration programs are also negatively affected by solar storms.

3. Damage to Pipelines

Rapidly altering magnetic fields can also cause severe damage to the pipelines. These magnetic fields produce geomagnetically induced currents in pipelines, resulting in multiple problems for pipeline engineers. In addition, a magnetic storm also increases the corrosion rate of the channel.

4. Effects on the Animals

Scientists are working on whether or not animals are affected by solar storms. However, some scientists say the strongest solar storms can induce whales to beach themselves. In contrast, according to some scientists, migrating animals that require magnetoreception to navigate, such as birds and honey bees, might also be affected by these storms. 

5. Effect on Human Beings 

Earth’s magnetosphere and atmosphere protect all human beings at ground level, but astronauts who live in space suffer numerous health problems from the solar radiation outside the earth’s magnetosphere. 

Conclusion

Geomagnetic storms disturb the earth’s magnetosphere by the solar wind shock wave and a cloud of the magnetic field that interacts with the earth’s magnetic field. It decreases the earth’s magnetic field strength. This decrease can be seen up to 6 to 12 hours; the earth’s magnetic field recovers in several days. This article has tried to cover all the facts and points related to magnetic storms and the impacts of geomagnetic storms on our planet. In addition, we have discussed the other terms associated with this magnetic storm and the types of solar storms in detail.