A violent solar storm is heading towards Earth.

On October 9th, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a severe geomagnetic storm warning for October 10th and 11th after detecting a solar flare earlier this week. Solar storms can temporarily disrupt power and radio signals.

NOAA has notified power plant and spacecraft operators to take precautionary measures. The agency also warned the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of potential power outages, as the organization deals with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene and prepares for Hurricane Milton, which is heading toward Florida.

A solar flare on October 3rd. Photo: NASA

The latest solar storm is not expected to surpass the one that struck Earth in May, the strongest in more than two decades.

According to scientist Rob Steenburgh of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, Florida is far enough south to avoid any power outages from this storm, unless the storm becomes much larger.

NOAA space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl said experts are more concerned about the potential impact on the power grid in areas devastated by Hurricane Helene two weeks ago.

The storm could also cause auroras as far south as the United States, such as the Lower Midwest and Northern California, although the exact location and timing are still unclear.

Sky-gazing enthusiasts can point their smartphones upwards to take photos. These devices can often capture the aurora borealis, which is invisible to the naked eye.

The solar storm in May created spectacular auroras across the Northern Hemisphere and did not cause any major disruptions.

The sun is near the peak of its current 11-year cycle, which is responsible for all recent solar activity.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bao-mat-troi-du-doi-dang-huong-den-trai-dat-post316176.html