Powerful radiation storm erupts near Earth: what to expect

A powerful radiation storm raged in the vicinity of Earth. As reported by specialists from the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI and ISZF, its peak occurred overnight from January 19 to 20. Scientists have already called it the strongest phenomenon of the 21st century.

Around noon on January 20, the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI and ISZF reported a renewed increase in geomagnetic activity.

«The planetary Kp index has returned to a level close to G4, and is currently at G3.7. This surge is presumably the last in the current event. After its completion, the geomagnetic storm should stabilize until the end of the day at levels G1 to G3,» said specialists from the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI and ISZF.

Radiation storm is a stream of charged particles ejected by the Sun during large flares. Geomagnetic storm is a disturbance of Earth«s magnetic field, usually caused by increased solar activity.

As previously explained by Nikolai Perov, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, leading methodologist at the Yaroslavl Center named after V.V. Tereshkova, geomagnetic activity is assessed on a five-level scale. In particular, the mentioned level G3 is considered strong, and G4 is severe.

According to Nikolai Perov, during a level G3 geomagnetic storm, problems can arise with intermittent satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation, as well as interruptions in HF radio operation. In power systems, voltage adjustments may be required, and some protective devices may experience false activations. During a level G4 geomagnetic storm, power systems may face issues with voltage control. Satellite navigation may degrade for several hours, HF radio wave propagation will be interrupted, and low-frequency radio navigation may be disrupted.

The cause of the radiation storm and geomagnetic storm on Earth was a plasma cloud that traveled from the Sun after a large flare. The Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI and ISZF explained that the events pose no particular danger to the planet«s inhabitants.

«Particles are completely blocked by Earth«s magnetic field and atmosphere at significant altitudes, preventing their penetration to the planet»s surface. The latter, if such a scenario were realized, would undoubtedly lead to extreme danger for the biosphere,» the scientists noted.

However, spacecraft in orbit around our planet are subjected to exceptional stress. But even there, things are not so dire.

«In the manufacture of electronic systems for spacecraft, special radiation-resistant electronics are used, which should ensure the operability of satellites even at current radiation levels, provided that these levels are reached for short periods, not exceeding several hours, or at most days,» the specialists noted.

By the way, as the specialists noted, auroras are not excluded even in Central regions tonight.