Earth braces for severe solar storm impact: major power outages expected

The US Space Weather Prediction Center has sounded the alarm over an impending severe solar storm set to hit Earth this weekend. This rare event has prompted the issuance of a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch, the second-highest level on a five-step scale, marking the first of its kind since January 2005. The storm's intensity poses significant threats including potential blackouts, disruptions to navigation systems, and interference with high-frequency radios worldwide.

Potential impact and precautionary measures

Trans-polar flights between Europe, Asia, and North America are anticipated to be rerouted to minimize radiation exposure for passengers and crew members. The heightened alert level underscores the rarity of such events, as stated by the Space Weather Prediction Center.

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The impending solar storm comprises multiple waves of solar energy predicted to impact the planet starting late on Friday and persisting through Sunday. These waves, originating from five eruptions of material from the sun's atmosphere, pose potential risks to various systems both in near-Earth orbit and on the planet's surface. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), explosive events on the sun's surface involving the release of plasma and magnetic fields from its corona, are the driving force behind geomagnetic storms. When directed towards Earth, these CMEs have the capacity to induce disruptions in communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio, and satellite operations.

Potential consequences and spectacular displays

While individuals are shielded by Earth's magnetic field, unprepared electric grids face the risk of disruption, pipelines may become charged with current, and spacecraft could be knocked off course. The severity of the impending storm recalls the G5 storm experienced in October 2003, which resulted in power outages in Sweden and damage to transformers in South Africa. 

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On the flip side, geomagnetic storms also offer the potential for awe-inspiring displays of auroras in Earth's atmosphere. With the current storm watch, there exists the possibility for auroras, commonly known as the Northern Lights, to be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California. Regions across Asia and Europe with sufficiently dark and clear skies may witness spectacular displays of auroras, according to the US agency. The UK Met Office anticipates the aurora to be visible across the entire United Kingdom.