Magnetic storms will hit Earth

On Friday evening, March 13, Earth may experience geomagnetic disturbances caused by solar activity. Experts warn that the possible magnetic storms will be triggered by a large coronal hole on the surface of the star.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the forecast was prepared by scientists from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. According to their data, an increase in the solar wind flow directed toward Earth is expected over the next 24 hours. Against this backdrop, geomagnetic activity levels may rise.

According to the researchers, the source of the disturbances was a large coronal hole on the Sun. Visually, it resembles a giant rift stretching practically from the southern to the northern pole of the star. Scientists noted that such a structure has existed for quite some time: about a month ago, it already passed through the visible part of the solar disk.

At that time, the phenomenon triggered moderate magnetic storms — at the G1–G2 level on a five-point scale. Since the shape and size of the coronal hole have remained virtually unchanged over the elapsed time, specialists believe that this time the level of geomagnetic disturbances may turn out to be approximately the same.

According to preliminary calculations, the first signs of a magnetic storm may appear closer to midnight on March 13. If the forecast materializes, residents of northern regions will be able to observe a beautiful natural phenomenon — the Aurora Borealis, which sometimes appears during intense solar activity. Azerbaijanis: how Armenians ...