Solar storm reaches Peru and could affect radio signals, GPS, and some satellites

From Tuesday, July 19 to Thursday, July 21, a geomagnetic storm would be reaching the Earth due to the coronal mass ejection from the Sun produced at the end of last week, announced the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP).

According to the statement, the G2-level geomagnetic storms could affect radio signals and even some satellites.

“This geomagnetic storm is expected to have only a mild to moderate impact, both on the operations that satellites normally perform in their orbit around the Earth and on the signals of broadcasting and GPS services,” the geophysical entity indicated.

Likewise, it indicated that Peru has natural protection from the direct effects of this phenomenon because the Earth’s magnetic equator crosses the central part of Peru’s territory.

WHAT IS A GEOMAGNETIC STORM OR SOLAR STORM?

Geomagnetic storms are disturbances of the Earth’s magnetic field, which last from several hours to even a few days, and are related to solar activity.

The Sun continuously emits particles in what is known as “solar wind”. Usually, these particles do not penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere; however, the solar cycle varies its activity every 11 years, which is quantified according to the number of sunspots at any given time.

When solar flares originate from sunspots and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are large enough, they throw immense quantities of coronal matter towards the Earth, causing an increase in the density and speed of the solar wind, which deforms the Earth’s magnetosphere, giving rise to geomagnetic storms.

WHAT DAMAGE CAN A GEOMAGNETIC STORM CAUSE?

When geomagnetic storms are of great intensity, they can cause damage to infrastructure and people.

Satellites can be affected due to the action of energetic charged particles, causing damage to their structure or operation.

Electric power distribution networks may suffer from overheating high-voltage transformers and even burning. Gas and oil pipelines tend to rust easily due to geomagnetically induced currents.

People can be affected if they travel on board an aircraft during a geomagnetic storm. For this reason, airplanes on polar routes are often diverted, and astronauts must remain inside their craft.

Finally, the IGP pointed out that the Sun is culminating in its 11-year cycle, so it is entering a phase of increased activity at maximum levels. That is why, it warns, an increase in solar activity events is expected as we approach the year 2025, when the next maximum will be reached.

With information from Infobae

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