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HomeSpaceNASA's Spectacular Tracking of the Most Intense Solar Storm in Decades

NASA's Spectacular Tracking of the Most Intense Solar Storm in Decades

Solar storms, disturbances caused by solar activity, have a major impact on our planet, and in May 2024, NASA tracked a solar storm of an intensity rarely seen in decades.

Understanding solar storms

Solar storms are temporary disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere caused by the activity of the Sun. They occur when the Sun releases a large amount of energy in the form of solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CME). These emissions of charged particles and electromagnetic radiation travel through space and can interact with Earth, causing dramatic and potentially dangerous effects.

Effects on modern technology:

  • Solar storms can disrupt satellites, power grids and communications systems.
  • Although catastrophic events are rare, preparation and monitoring are essential to mitigate risks.
  • The solar torrent of May 2024

    In early May 2024, a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections sent a torrent of charged particles and magnetic fields toward Earth. These solar clouds, traveling at speeds up to 4.8 million kilometers per hour, combined to create a long-lasting geomagnetic storm reaching category G5, the strongest on the scale since 2003.

    The spectacular Northern Lights:

  • The storm generated exceptionally intense northern lights, visible as far away as unusually low latitudes, such as the southern United States and northern India.
  • Thousands of observations have been reported via Aurorasaurus, a citizen science platform funded by NASA, contributing to a better understanding of the phenomenon.
  • Historical comparisons

    Scientists are still comparing the May 2024 storm to similar historical events. According to the Dst index, a measure of the strength of geomagnetic storms, this storm is comparable to those of 1958 and 2003. Regarding the visibility of aurora, some reports suggest that they rival those observed at low latitudes over the last 500 years, although this claim is still being evaluated.

    Potential impact on technology:

  • Space agencies and infrastructure operators had issued warnings and taken preventative measures to mitigate potential damage ahead of the storm.
  • NASA's future missions

    To better understand and predict the interactions between the Sun and Earth, NASA plans to launch new space missions. The Geospatial Dynamics Constellation and Atmosphere-Ionosphere Neutral Dynamic Coupling will provide crucial data to protect astronauts and space infrastructure during future missions to the Moon and Mars.

    Objectives of the new missions:

  • Study the effects of solar storms on the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Protect space equipment and human missions against solar radiation.
  • Continuous solar activity

    Although the solar region responsible for the May 2024 storm is now out of view of Earth, solar activity continues. NASA continues to monitor the Sun with spacecraft like the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) and is preparing to study any new storms that may arise.

    Preparations and monitoring:

  • Continuous observation is necessary to anticipate and understand future solar events.
  • In-depth knowledge of these phenomena allows us to better protect our technology and infrastructure.
  • The solar storms of May 2024 vividly illustrate the influence of the Sun on our planet and highlight the importance of continued research to better prepare for these celestial events.

    SRQ Backlot