New geomagnetic storm is expected: What consequences will it have?

Space meteorologists have published a forecast for this week, warning of a possible geomagnetic storm caused by a plasma ejection from a solar flare. This could impact radio transmissions on Earth and contribute to the observation of the "northern lights."

According to the warning issued on March 23 by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado, there is no cause for concern among the general public. Primarily, solar storms can disrupt high-frequency radio transmissions, such as aircraft communication with remote towers.

Jonathan Lash, a meteorologist from the center, noted that many commercial aircraft may use satellite communication as a backup option. Satellite operators may also encounter issues tracking their spacecraft, and the power grid may detect induction currents in its lines.

"For the general public in high latitudes, under clear skies, this will be a wonderful opportunity to observe the 'northern lights,'" Lash said. Every 11 years, the Sun's magnetic field changes, with its north and south poles switching places. During this cycle, solar activity fluctuates, and it is currently approaching its peak, known as solar maximum.

According to Lash, during solar maximum, geomagnetic storms like the one observed last Sunday may occur on Earth several times a year. Several years may pass between storms during solar minimum periods. In December of last year, the largest solar flare in recent years disrupted radio communications.