In May 2024, Earth experienced a powerful solar storm that not only lit up the skies with dazzling auroras but also had a significant impact on Earth’s magnetic field, even reaching the depths of the ocean. This event provided valuable data for scientists to better understand the effects of solar activity on our planet.
Solar storms, also known as geomagnetic storms, are caused by eruptions on the surface of the Sun that eject billions of tons of material combined with magnetic fields into the Solar System. When these coronal mass ejections (CMEs) reach Earth, they interact with our magnetic field, resulting in mesmerizing auroras. However, the effects of solar storms go beyond creating colorful light displays.
The recent solar storm caused disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field, leading the compasses used by Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) to record significant distortions. These disturbances were observed even at a depth of 2.7 kilometers below the ocean’s surface, highlighting the far-reaching effects of solar activity on our planet. The data collected during this event will be instrumental in understanding the implications of similar disruptions in the future.
ONC’s subsea observatories off the East and West coasts of Canada play a crucial role in monitoring changes in ocean currents. The compasses used to orient the observatories’ Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) recorded anomalies in Earth’s magnetic field during the solar storm in May 2024. This unexpected data has opened up new avenues for research into the relationship between solar activity and Earth’s magnetic field.
The data collected by ONC specialists during the solar storm provided valuable insights into the impact of solar outbursts on Earth. By analyzing the distortions in the compass readings, scientists can gain a better understanding of how solar storms affect our planet and its magnetic field. This information will be essential for preparing for future solar events and mitigating their potential consequences.
The intense solar storm that occurred in May 2024 demonstrated the profound influence of solar activity on Earth’s magnetic field. The data collected by ONC during this event opens up new possibilities for research and understanding the dynamics of solar storms. By studying the effects of these phenomena, scientists can enhance our knowledge of space weather and its implications for our planet.
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