NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the massive coronal hole on April 21
This coronal hole is a vast region where the Sun’s magnetic field tears apart, allowing solar wind to escape.
Super-charged solar winds flowing from the Sun’s atmosphere are expected to reach Earth on April 23 or 24.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this could whip up a “moderately strong” geomagnetic storm.
What is a solar storm?
Solar flares shoot charged particles which can reach as far as Earth.
Our planet has a natural protection against them, including our magnetic field and an atmosphere that blocks most.
But they can directly affect communications and radio transmissions,
sparking concerns that they could wreak havoc on modern civilisation.
They are also particularly dangerous for airline pilots and astronauts, who could be susceptible to radiation during a storm.
One of the most spectacular consequences is an aurora, like the Northern Lights.
When the charged particles hit our magnetic field, their glow is turned into the colourful streaks seen across the sky.
Geomagnetic storms can cause havoc, but are also behind some of the
most beautiful sights in our skies, including the Northern Lights These kinds of storms are behind the beautiful natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights.
But a storm of this magnitude could have an effect on power grids and navigation systems across the Earth’s surface.
G2 storms affect plane and military radio systems, spacecraft
operations and could trigger voltage alarms or cause equipment damage in
power systems.
Scientists are growing increasingly concerned over the effect a solar explosion, flare or storm could have on humanity.
Our growing dependence on technology puts humans at a greater risk if power grids, planes and satellites stop working.
US president Barack Obama was forced to issue a chilling warning to
the nation in preparation for devastating space weather storms earlier
this year.
He said: “Extreme space weather events – those that could
significantly degrade critical infrastructure – could disable large
portions of the electrical power grid, resulting in cascading failures
that would affect key services such as water supply, healthcare, and
transportation.
“Space weather has the potential to simultaneously affect and disrupt health and safety across entire continents.”
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Massive Power Outage Strikes San Francisco – 90,000 Without Power
April 21, 2017
A massive power outage in San Francisco on Friday morning caused a
blackout in neighborhoods across the city, from the Financial District
to the Presidio, forcing the closure of businesses, a federal courthouse
and a BART station, officials said. A spokesman for Pacific Gas and
Electric Co. said at least 90,000 customers lost power. BART’s
Montgomery Station was closed due to the outage, which struck after 9
a.m.
BART rains were running through Montgomery Station without stopping.
Cable cars were also impacted and shuttles were put in place to provide
service, according to the Municipal Transportation Agency. There were reports of traffic lights out in many city intersections, and traffic was backing up on downtown streets. The Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse at 450 Golden Gate Ave. was among the many buildings closed down by the outage. READ MORE