Why in the News?
The Sun has unleashed the strongest solar radiation storm in more than 20 years, triggering rare auroras across Europe and the United States and raising concerns over satellites, aviation, power grids, and astronaut safety. The storm is the most intense since October 2003.
What is a Solar Radiation Storm?
- A solar radiation storm occurs when the Sun releases a burst of fast moving, highly charged particles toward Earth
- These particles can penetrate Earth’s magnetic field and increase radiation levels in space and at high altitudes
- Defined and monitored by NASA and the Space Weather Prediction Center
Severity and Classification
- Classified as Level 4 out of 5 (Severe) on the solar radiation storm scale
- Strongest event of its kind since October 2003
- Occurred during the peak phase of the Sun’s 11 year solar cycle
Prelims Pointers
- Solar radiation storms mainly affect space based and high altitude systems
- They are rare and most frequent near solar maximum
- Auroras result from interaction between solar particles and Earth’s magnetic field
- CMEs and solar flares are solar origin phenomena, not atmospheric events
| [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?Â
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail 2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions 3. Power grids could be damaged 4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth 5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet 6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed 7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted Select the correct answer using the code given below:Â (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 |
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