Context:
A G-5 level geomagnetic storm, the first since the Halloween Storms of 2003, has struck Earth.
Geomagnetic Storms:
- Disturbances in Earth’s magnetosphere (Earth’s magnetic field).
- Also called – Solar storms
- Classification – Depending on the intensity, they are classified from G1 (Minor) to G5 (extreme).
- Caused by – Interaction of charged particles from Sun with Earth’s magnetic fields, that are triggered by Coronal Mass Ejections and Solar Fares
Coronal Mass Ejections:
- Primary drivers of the most severe geomagnetic storms.
- They are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona (the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere).
- Usually take place around sunspot groups, which are cooler, highly magnetized areas on the Sun’s surface.
- Typically take 1 to 3 days to reach Earth.
Solar Flares:
- An intense burst of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots.
- Largest explosive events in our Solar system that can last from minutes to hours.
- Travel at the speed of light, which takes approximately 8 minutes to reach Earth.
Related Article: Solar Flares
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Previous Year Question
The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen news in the context of
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available
(c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) search for meteorites containing precious metals
Answer: (c)
