Daily Current Affairs : 14-May-2024

Recently, the nighttime sky became illuminated by way of lovely auroras during the most powerful G-5 level geomagnetic storm in 21 years. This extraordinary show of green and blue colors stretched across the Northern Hemisphere, captivating onlookers around the world. But what exactly causes such wonderful natural phenomena? The answer lies in geomagnetic storms.

What Are Geomagnetic Storms?

Geomagnetic storms are disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar events, such as solar flares. When the Sun releases bursts of energy, like Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) or high-speed solar winds from coronal holes, they send charged particles toward Earth. These particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating disturbances that lead to geomagnetic storms.

Key Causes of Geomagnetic Storms:
  • Solar Flares: Intense bursts of radiation from the Sun.
  • Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): Large eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona.
  • High-Speed Solar Winds: Streams of charged particles from coronal holes on the Sun.

These disturbances can lead to powerful auroras and significant disruptions to Earth’s systems, from communication problems to impacts on satellites.

The Impact of Geomagnetic Storms

Geomagnetic storms can have varying consequences depending on their strength. These storms are classified on a scale from G1 to G5, with G1 being the weakest and G5 the strongest.

At G1 (Minor):
  • Weak fluctuations in power grids.
  • Minor disruptions in satellite operations.
  • Auroras visible at higher latitudes.
At G5 (Extreme):
  • Major problems with voltage control in power grids.
  • Radio waves may be disrupted for days.
  • Auroras visible even at lower latitudes, as seen during the recent storm.

Important Points:

Geomagnetic Storms:

  • Disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar events like solar flares, CMEs, and high-speed solar winds.
  • These storms can lead to spectacular auroras and disrupt Earth’s systems, including communication and satellite operations.

Key Causes of Geomagnetic Storms:

  • Solar Flares: Intense bursts of radiation from the Sun.
  • Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): Large eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona.
  • High-Speed Solar Winds: Streams of charged particles from coronal holes on the Sun.

Impact of Geomagnetic Storms:

  • Effects range from minor disruptions to severe damage to power grids and communication systems.
  • Geomagnetic storms are classified on a scale from G1 (weakest) to G5 (strongest).

At G1 (Minor):

  • Weak fluctuations in power grids.
  • Minor satellite disruptions.
  • Auroras visible at higher latitudes.

At G5 (Extreme):

  • Major voltage control issues in power grids.
  • Radio waves may be disrupted for days.
  • Auroras visible even at lower latitudes.

Recent G-5 Storm:

  • Caused an extraordinary aurora display in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Potential for communication blackouts and damage to electrical systems due to the storm’s strength.

Why In News

Stunning aurora displays illuminated the night sky during the strongest G-5 level geomagnetic storm in 21 years, producing mesmerizing green and blue hues across the Northern Hemisphere. This breathtaking natural spectacle not only captivated skywatchers but also highlighted the immense power of solar activity and its impact on Earth’s magnetic field.

MCQs about Geomagnetic Storms

  1. What causes geomagnetic storms?
    A. Solar flares and lunar eclipses
    B. Earthquakes and volcanic activity
    C. Solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and high-speed solar winds
    D. Ocean currents and tidal waves
    Correct Answer: C. Solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and high-speed solar winds
    Explanation: Geomagnetic storms are caused by solar events like solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and high-speed solar winds, which send charged particles toward Earth and interact with its magnetic field.
  2. What is the effect of a G1 level geomagnetic storm?
    A. Major problems with power grids and communication systems
    B. Disruptions in satellite operations and weak fluctuations in power grids
    C. Auroras visible even at lower latitudes
    D. Prolonged radio wave disruption for days
    Correct Answer: B. Disruptions in satellite operations and weak fluctuations in power grids
    Explanation: At the G1 level, geomagnetic storms cause weak fluctuations in power grids and minor disruptions to satellite operations. Auroras can also be visible at higher latitudes.
  3. What color hues were produced by the G-5 level geomagnetic storm in 2024?
    A. Red and purple
    B. Green and blue
    C. Yellow and orange
    D. White and black
    Correct Answer: B. Green and blue
    Explanation: The strongest G-5 level geomagnetic storm in 21 years produced stunning green and blue hues across the Northern Hemisphere, creating a breathtaking aurora display.
  4. What is a major impact of a G5 level geomagnetic storm?
    A. Auroras visible only at the poles
    B. Minor fluctuations in communication signals
    C. Radio waves may be disrupted for days, and auroras visible at lower latitudes
    D. No visible effects on Earth’s technology or environment
    Correct Answer: C. Radio waves may be disrupted for days, and auroras visible at lower latitudes
    Explanation: At the G5 level, geomagnetic storms can cause significant disruptions, such as prolonged radio wave disruptions and auroras visible even at lower latitudes, as was seen during the recent storm.

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