Solar storms are magnetic plasma ejected at great speed from the solar surface. They usually occur during the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots. They can last for few minutes or hours depending on the intensity.Reasons for occurrence
High magnetism
Due to high magnetic activity in the interior of the Sun, particular areas do not experience high temperatures. This forms sunspots that emit solar particles.
Ejection of coronal mass
Coronal mass or solar particles are closely associated with sun spots. Darker the sunspots, greater amount of coronal particles are ejected.
Effects on earth and its atmosphere
Impact weather
High-speed solar winds and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can come near to Earth’s atmosphere and impact weather events.
Global communication
They can impact space-dependent services like global positioning systems (GPS), radio, and satellite communications.
Technologies
Technologies such as high-frequency radio communications and GPS navigation systems. Power grids, aircraft flights, and space exploration programmes are vulnerable.
Space programme
Coronal Mass Ejections can create disturbances for satellites. Astronauts on spacewalks face health risks from possible exposure to solar radiation.
Thus, solar storms are not just a phenomenon of the Sun. The particles emitted during solar storms have long-lasting effects on earth and its atmosphere.
Reasons for occurrence
Thus, solar storms are not just a phenomenon of the Sun. The particles emitted during solar storms have long-lasting effects on earth and its atmosphere.
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