Meteorological experts have issued a warning about imminent geomagnetic storms that could last today, Monday, stating that plasma explosions resulting from solar flares may interfere with wireless broadcasts on Earth. Geomagnetic storms are disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field that can last from hours to several days with varying intensity.
While experts affirmed that there is no cause for concern regarding this phenomenon, they emphasized that it could also provide a spectacular view of the aurora borealis. According to a warning issued on Saturday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado, the storm could disrupt high-frequency wireless communication, which is utilized by aircraft attempting to contact control towers.
Jonathan Lash, a meteorologist at the center, noted that most commercial aircraft can use satellite communication as a backup. He mentioned that satellite operators might face challenges tracking their vehicles. Lash stated, "For the general public, if you have a clear sky at night and are at higher latitudes, this will be a great opportunity to see the sky light up," referring to the stunning aurora lights.
Every 11 years, the sun's magnetic field flips, meaning that its north and south poles change positions. Solar activity varies during this cycle, and it is now approaching its most active point known as solar maximum. Lash indicated that during such times, geomagnetic storms like the one observed on Sunday could impact Earth several times a year.
