Tag

Solar Storm

All articles tagged with #solar storm

space1 month ago•55 min saved

Martian solar storm sparks record electron surge observed by ESA orbiters

Two ESA Mars-orbiting missions, Mars Express and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, observed a powerful solar superstorm that also struck Earth in May 2024 and hit Mars, flooding the planet’s upper atmosphere with electrons (about 45% at ~110 km and 278% at ~130 km) and causing radiation-induced glitches in the spacecraft. Using a radio occultation technique, scientists mapped the atmospheric response and noted that Mars—lacking a global magnetic field—reacts differently to space weather than Earth; the observations were unusually well-timed after a large solar flare, and the results were published in Nature Communications.

via Space|

#exomars-trace-gas-orbiter #mars #mars-express

science1 month ago•3 min saved

Solar Superstorm Expands Mars's Ionosphere, Revealing Space Weather on the Red Planet

A May 2024 solar superstorm from sunspot AR3664 produced an X2.9 flare and a coronal mass ejection that not only triggered a major Earth geomagnetic storm but also dramatically swelled Mars’s lower ionosphere—nearly threefold—as solar plasma and X‑rays flooded the planet’s upper atmosphere. ESA’s Mars Express and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter used radio occultation to measure the changes, showing how solar activity injects energy and particles into Mars’s atmosphere and highlighting its ongoing atmospheric loss. The orbiters briefly glitching during the storm but ultimately recovering demonstrates the value of radiation‑hard spacecraft for space weather studies.

via Gizmodo|

#exomars #ionosphere #mars

science1 month ago•6 min saved

Valentine Night Lights: Aurora Visible Across 12 U.S. States

NOAA forecasts a bright aurora borealis display tonight across 12 U.S. states due to intensified solar activity, offering a rare Valentine’s Day sky show. The best viewing window is 10 p.m.–midnight local time, with the possibility of the lights lingering until dawn in northern areas; colors like green, red, and purple are expected, and New York and Michigan could see it despite being typically too far south. To maximize visibility, seek dark skies away from city lights, and check local weather for clear skies. The event is linked to the sun’s approaching solar cycle maximum.

via The Daily Galaxy|

#aurora-borealis #noaa #northern-lights

space2 months ago•2 min saved

Solar Storms Could Trigger a Rapid Kessler-Style Debris Cascade in Low Earth Orbit

Scientists warn that a powerful solar storm could abruptly trigger a Kessler syndrome–style cascade in Earth's low orbit, turning orbital debris into a self-perpetuating cloud that endangers satellites and could shower debris back to Earth. Researchers introduced the CRASH clock, suggesting a catastrophic collision could unfold in roughly 5.5 days if navigation is disrupted, a sobering risk given the growing megaconstellations from SpaceX, Amazon, and others and the current high rate of in-orbit maneuvers.

via Futurism|

#crash-clock #kessler-syndrome #low-earth-orbit

science2 months ago•52 min saved

Ancient rock art, giant undersea reservoir, and record solar storm define this week's science

This week’s science roundup spans the world’s oldest known rock art—a 70,000-year-old Sulawesi hand stencil and a 2.6-million-year-old Paranthropus jaw—alongside the discovery of a massive sub-seafloor freshwater reservoir off the U.S. East Coast that could theoretically supply New York City for centuries, plus Earth being hit by one of the largest solar radiation storms in decades, with JWST findings continuing to upend ideas about early black holes.

via Live Science|

#east-coast-reservoir #paranthropus #rock-art

space2 months ago•4 min saved

Solar Storms Could Collapse LEO Satellite Web in Days

New analysis warns that solar storms could trigger a rapid, near-term collapse of Earth’s LEO satellite mega-constellations if command-and-control for avoidance is lost. The study introduces the CRASH Clock, estimating a catastrophic collision could occur in about 2.8 days as of mid-2025 (versus 121 days in 2018), and a 24-hour outage carries roughly a 30% chance of seeding long-term debris cascades. Solar storms heat the atmosphere, increasing drag and degrading orbit predictions while possibly disabling satellite navigation and communications, leaving many satellites unable to dodge each other. Authored by Sarah Thiele and colleagues and posted on arXiv, the work argues for real-time tracking and control to prevent a “house of cards” collapse of space infrastructure, a risk underscored by the 2024 Gannon storm and the historic Carrington Event.

via SciTechDaily|

#kessler-syndrome #megaconstellations #orbital-debris

astronomy2 months ago•41 min saved

Earth Faces a 20-Year-High Solar Storm: What This Powerful Space Weather Means

Earth has been hit by the strongest solar radiation storm in more than two decades, driven by activity from the Sun. The resulting geomagnetic disturbance could affect radio communications, satellite operations, and power/stability of certain technologies, while also lighting up spectacular auroras at lower latitudes. Space weather agencies are monitoring the event and the potential cascading effects over the coming hours to days, offering updates and guidance for affected systems.

via Space|

#astronomy #auroras #geomagnetic-storm

space2 months ago•312 min saved

Severe Solar Storm Promises Northern Lights, with Satellite and GPS Disruptions Possible

Earth is bracing for a powerful solar radiation storm (S4), the largest in over two decades, which could spark vivid auroras across much of the northern U.S. tonight into tomorrow while threatening satellite operations, GPS accuracy, and communications. Airlines, NASA, FAA and other operators have been alerted to prepare for potential impacts from the coronal mass ejection triggered by an X-class solar flare. Auroras may be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California under clear skies, though widespread public disruption isn’t expected. Scientists warn of possible further Earth-directed eruptions in the coming week, and astronauts on the ISS can shelter in shielded areas if radiation rises.

via CNN|

#auroras #gps-disruption #satellites

science2 months ago•42 min saved

Aurora Watch: 15 States May See Northern Lights Friday Night

A planned geomagnetic storm could bring visible auroras to 15 U.S. states on Friday night, with the best viewing in dark, northern locations after sunset. Monitor NOAA space-weather forecasts and local KP indices; clear skies and minimal light pollution boost the odds for seeing the northern lights, though intensity may vary by location.

via Forbes|

#aurora-borealis #geomagnetic-activity #night-sky-watching

science3 months ago•2 min saved

Scientists Break Records Studying the Sun's Most Active Region

Astronomers set a new record by continuously observing the Sun's active region NOAA 13664 for over 90 days using two spacecraft, providing valuable insights into solar activity and improving space weather predictions.

via ScienceAlert|

#noaa-13664 #science #solar-observatories

science-and-technology3 months ago•6 min saved

Satellite Collision Risks Accelerate Amid Solar Storm Threats

A new study warns that a severe solar storm could trigger satellite collisions in Earth's orbit within days, especially in low Earth orbit where most satellites like SpaceX's Starlink operate, potentially leading to a cascade of debris and making space unusable. The risk is higher now than in 2018 due to increased satellite numbers, and future solar storms could cause significant disruptions if satellite operators are unprepared.

via Space|

#kessler-syndrome #satellite-collisions #science-and-technology

science3 months ago•2 min saved

Earth Faces 2.8-Day Countdown to Satellite Disaster from Solar Storm

A new study warns that a solar storm could disable Earth's satellite system within three days, potentially causing a chain reaction of collisions and debris that could devastate global communications, navigation, and space exploration capabilities, especially during the current solar maximum.

via NewsNation|

#earths-infrastructure #kessler-syndrome #satellite-collision

science3 months ago•4 min saved

Severe Solar Storms Could Trigger Satellite Catastrophe in Just Days

A new study warns that a single solar storm could disable satellite control systems, leading to catastrophic collisions in space and potentially triggering Kessler syndrome, which could make space inaccessible for humans for decades. The increasing density of satellite mega-constellations like Starlink amplifies this risk, especially since solar storms can damage satellites' navigational systems and increase atmospheric drag, making real-time control crucial to prevent disaster.

via ScienceAlert|

#kessler-syndrome #satellite-mega-constellations #science

science3 months ago•5 min saved

Solar Storms Pose 3-Day Threat to Earth’s Satellites and Space Travel

A new study warns that the risk of catastrophic satellite collisions in Earth's orbit has increased significantly, with the 'CRASH Clock' now at just 2.8 days, indicating little time to prevent disaster from solar storms or satellite debris chain reactions, potentially leading to severe space and Earth-based consequences.

via IFLScience|

#kessler-syndrome #orbital-collision #satellite-debris

science5 months ago•2 min saved

Tips for Perfectly Capturing the Northern Lights on Your Phone

A severe geomagnetic storm caused by a coronal mass ejection from the sun is expected to increase the visibility of the northern lights as far south as Texas. Tips are provided for capturing the aurora with smartphones, emphasizing stability, long exposure, and proper settings. Viewers are encouraged to find dark, northern locations away from city lights and to use features like Night Mode and a tripod for best results.

via FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth|

#aurora-borealis #geomagnetic-storm #northern-lights