G1 Geomagnetic Storm Caused by New Canyon Hole in Sun's Atmosphere Might Impair Earth's Satellites For Two Days

Last week, a new canyon hole has appeared in the Sun's atmosphere, and ever since, it has been a source of trouble. Because of the said disturbance, Earth's satellites and power grids may experience problems today and tomorrow due to a G1 class geomagnetic storm, according to forecasts.

Coronal Holes

Coronal holes are enormous chasms that span the Sun's upper atmosphere. These holes appear almost black because the surrounding solar plasma becomes less hot and dense there.

Soft x-ray solar and Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images show coronal holes as dark regions in the solar corona. Because they are areas of open, unipolar magnetic fields and cooler, less dense plasma than the surrounding plasma, they appear dark.

It was windy during my solar observing session this morning. The largest active region is 13153 which produced small flares overnight. Solar wind flowing from the large coronal hole reaches Earth tomorrow with auroras likely.
photos of Sun: SDO/AIA pic.twitter.com/dsaYxuUk2X

- Susan Delaney (@metamythian) December 8, 2022

Coronal holes can form on the Sun at any time and in any region, but they are more frequent and persistent during the years immediately preceding the solar minimum. Sometimes the more persistent coronal holes can persist for several 27-day solar rotations. Coronal holes can swell to lower solar latitudes, but they are most common and stable at the solar poles.

Additionally, coronal holes and polar holes may form independently, or a polar hole's extension may separate and form an independent structure. High-speed solar wind streams may come from persistent coronal holes, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center.

A high-speed stream of solar winds is launched into space by the magnetic field lines that point outward from these holes in the Sun.

This energetic stream of solar debris can occasionally be absorbed by the magnetic field of the Earth, resulting in a geomagnetic storm.

On Thursday or Friday, December 8 or 9, the Sun's gaseous material coursing from the canyon-shaped hole could cause minor G1-class geomagnetic storms on Earth.

G1 Geomagnetic Storm

G1 storms are typically only mild power grid disruptions and can interfere with some satellite functions, including functions for GPS systems and mobile devices. Northern lights or auroras might also result from it.

However, because more severe geomagnetic storms can have much more detrimental effects, experts will stay on top of any solar activity. The magnetic field of our planet can be warped by them, and they have the power to interfere with electrical systems and even bring down the internet.

Read also: Bright Aurora Borealis Display Expected to Appear Over Northern US Midweek Due to Geomagnetic Storm 

11-Year Solar Cycle

The Sun has recently been active all the time, but it is not unreasonable. There has been a flurry of explosive solar activity since the start of 2022 because the Sun is gradually approaching the peak activity phase of its 11-year solar cycle, The Weather Channel reports.

The Sun is a sizable sphere of electrically charged hot gas that is moving and creating a strong magnetic field. A cycle known as the solar cycle occurs in the magnetic field of the Sun.

The magnetic field of the Sun completely flips every 11 years or so, causing the north and south poles to alternate positions. The Sun's north and south poles then reverse directions after another 11 years.

Sunspots, which are brought on by the magnetic fields of the Sun, and other surface activity are impacted by the solar cycle. The level of activity on the surface of the sun changes as the magnetic fields do, NASA Science Space Place reports.

Related article: Solar Storm Cuts Into Earth's Magnetic Field, Makes Rare Pink Auroras for 120 Seconds in Norway