Scientists expect an upcoming solar storm to hit Earth by tomorrow!
Astronomers expect a "high-speed stream of particles" on its way from the sun to Earth, in a solar storm that may affect satellite-based technology.
The particles are released through a hole in the southern hemisphere of the sun, traveling at an amazing speed of 600 kilometers per second through the solar system, and will hit Earth on March 20.
And when it does, researchers believe it could cause problems for satellite technology.
It was classified as a Category G1 storm, which could lead to "weak fluctuations in the power grid" and could have "minimal impact on satellite operations."
“NOAA meteorologists say a small G1 geomagnetic storm is likely on March 20, when a stream of high-velocity solar wind hits the Earth’s magnetic field. The gaseous material flows at speeds of more than 600 km / s from A southern hole in the sun's atmosphere. "
Often times, the sun emits a solar flare that, in turn, releases energy into space. Some of these solar flares can strike Earth and are often harmless to our planet.
However, the sun can also emit very strong solar flares, which can paralyze Earth's technology.
Previous studies revealed that the sun emits an intense solar flare every 25 years on average, the last of which was striking the Earth in 1989.
This storm saw power outages in Quebec, Canada, where conductive rocks on the ground could carry the excess energy from the magnetic shield.
Moreover, a severe solar storm can disrupt satellite systems, as bombardment of solar particles can expand the Earth's magnetosphere, making it difficult to penetrate satellite signals.
While it is impossible to predict when and where a massive solar storm will occur, it is likely that a storm will hit the planet in the future.
As such, experts have lamented the lack of preparation for an extreme space weather event, warning that it could cost trillions and cause widespread panic.
Risk advisory firm Drayton Tyler said: “The solar superstorm is an event of“ when and not. ”In the worst cases, direct and indirect costs are likely to run into the trillions of dollars with a payback period of years rather than months. The United States has the possibility of an event of this magnitude occurring by one in ten in any decade. "