There will be a massive solar discharge directly on Earth, with high energy potential to affect other planets.
A massive geomagnetic solar storm could hit Earth today and lead to a worldwide blackout, according to the U.S. space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Both institutions confirmed on Tuesday (12) that a coronal mass ejection halo (CME) has been observed approaching Earth, which will result in a G2-class geomagnetic solar storm this Thursday (14). In other words, there will be a massive solar discharge directly on Earth, with high energy potential to affect other planets.
"A CME halo was detected by SOHO LASCO on April 11. Our model fit indicates a very high probability of a ground impact on April 14, 2022 with velocities ranging from 429-575 km/s+," wrote India's Centre for Excellence in Space Sciences (CESSI) on its Twitter account.
//CESSI SPACE WEATHER BULLETIN//11 April 2022//SUMMARY: QUIET TO MODERATE SPACE WEATHER CONDITIONS// A halo CME was detected by SOHO LASCO on 11 April. Our model fit indicates a very high probability of Earth impact on 14 April, 2022 with speeds ranging between 429-575 km/s + pic.twitter.com/MRFNuLI2hS
- Center of Excellence in Space Sciences India (@cessi_iiserkol) April 11, 2022
In general, the geomagnetic storm is classified under 5 labels starting from G1 to G5, where G1 is a low-level storm with minimal impact and G5 is an extremely strong solar storm with great potential for damage.
And now, what to do?
Classifying the storm that will approach Earth today, there is little to fear, but some caution is worthwhile (such as staying in low-radiation places, staying hydrated, staying in cool places) because there will always be consequences.
Theoretically, a G5 class geomagnetic storm can cause damage to satellites, disrupt GPS, cell phone networks, internet connectivity, and power grid failure. Power voltage fluctuations can also occur, resulting in damage to electrical appliances.
According to space physicist, Tamitha Skov, GPS users may also face disturbances. According to scientists, the harmful ultraviolet, infrared and gamma radiation are all absorbed by the atmosphere and humans have no direct threat.