O Space Weather Prediction Center of the US issued a warning on Wednesday (9) of a severe storm due to space weather. The alert was issued after a solar observation probe detected a large eruption from a sunspot in the northern hemisphere of the Sun, accompanied by a CME (coronal mass ejection), which caused in a solar particle explosion.
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, the solar storm, classified as level 4, can cause interruptions em T e communications. Solar storms range from G1 (mild) to G5 (severe).
Furthermore, the Sun released a series of X-class flares this week, which coincided with coronal mass ejections on Tuesday (?).
O Professor Paulo Freire, master in Power Systems, explains that the solar flares release energy in the form of particles (mainly highly energetic electrons and protons, due to their speed) and electromagnetic waves, these in a wide range of frequencies, including ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and the visible spectrum.
“The flares are categorized according to the intensity of the radiation emitted, measured by satellites as GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite). To the classes main ones are A, B, C, M and X, from the weakest (A) to the most intense (X)”, explains Freire.
O teacher says even though each class is ten times more powerful than the previous one, with the numerical scale from 1 to 9 providing more detailed information on the intensity level.
What are Solar Flares?
Solar flares are explosions that occur in surface of the Sun, caused by sudden changes in its magnetic field.
When the accumulated magnetic energy is released, results in rashes that can break free a large amount of the energy in the form of radiation electromagnetic.
These explosions release a large amount of the energy and matter, including energetic particles and radiation. When reach a EARTH, these particles cause solar storms, like the one that occurred last weekend.
What are the impacts?
As solar storms, although they are responsible for creating auroras at the poles, they also have adverse effects. They can affect telecommunications networks, especially those that depend on satellites, causing interruptions na communication.
Furthermore, the systems of GPS may present navigation errors, compromising the accuracy of location information.
Finally, solar storms can cause overloads in power lines, resulting in blackouts and other problems with the electricity supply.
No Brazil, spot auroras is rare, however, during intense solar storms, there is little possibility of observe them in the regions further to South of the country.
When considering preparation for this cosmic event, it is important to highlight the need to remain alert the possible technological disturbances that may arise in the country.
Even after the solar storm, it is advisable monitor the situation, because their effects may persist for some time.
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