What is a geomagnetic storm and how common are they?
A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity, like solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Minor storms occur multiple times a year; larger storms happen every few years, especially during the solar maximum, which peaks around July 2025.
Are these storms dangerous?
Geomagnetic storms are not directly harmful to humans but can disrupt technology and infrastructure.
What damage can they cause?
Can induce electric currents, potentially causing blackouts.
May damage electronics, disrupt communications, and shorten life spans.
Can interfere with radio communication and GPS, particularly near the poles.
Increased radiation poses risks to astronauts and equipment.
Way forward
Monitoring storms helps predict and mitigate risks using instruments on Earth and in space.
Alerts allow industries to prepare, reducing potential damage to infrastructure and minimizing disruptions.
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