Alert issued for solar storm as sunspot AR3590 triggers excitement for auroras while concerns rise over geomagnetic storm.
The massive Sunspot AR3590, which recently emitted a powerful solar flare towards Earth, is now diminishing as it moves to the opposite side of the Sun, causing excitement among scientists and skywatchers. Despite its fading activity, experts are cautioning about a possible return in two weeks, raising concerns about a potential geomagnetic storm. While a predicted Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) expected to affect Earth’s magnetic field on March 2nd has not occurred, NOAA forecasters suggest it may still be on its way, potentially impacting our planet on March 3rd.
A heavenly light show
If this cosmic encounter happens, the Arctic Circle will be graced with a vibrant aurora display that will light up the polar sky, as spaceweather.com reports.
Over the past two weeks, astronomers have captured the immense size and dynamism of Sunspot AR3590, a temporary dark region on the Sun’s surface caused by intense magnetic activity. These enigmatic regions, cooler but still by scorching Earth standards, have caught the attention of astronomers for unleashing the most powerful solar flare of Solar Cycle 25, with an impressive X6.3 magnitude. At its zenith, AR3590 rivaled the historic sunspot observed by Carrington, underscoring the reported intensity of solar activity.
NOAA’s forecast highlights the possibility of R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio outages through March 5, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in monitoring solar weather conditions.
Beyond Earth’s view, sunspot AR3590 extends, as evidenced by observations by the Mars rover Perseverance. Perseverance, located inside Jezero Crater, has captured striking images of AR3590 using the MASTCAM (stereo mast camera). If AR3590 manages to hold out, it is possible that it will reappear in mid-March and be visible from Earth again.
With AR3590 currently dimming, space weather forecasts indicate a continued possibility of low to moderate radio blackouts in the coming days. If the sunspot flares up on the other side, it could catapult more energetic CMEs toward Earth later this month.
Solar activity
As AR3590 prepares to turn away from the Earth-facing side of the sun, there are still concerns about its future behavior. If the sunspot lasts without decaying, the risk of flares towards Earth after it returns in mid-March is high.
Also read these top stories today:
A job seeker? This is how you stand out! LinkedIn Impact: As layoffs continue and white-collar workers lose leverage, standing out has become increasingly difficult. Read all about it here. Was it interesting? Go ahead and share it with everyone you know.
AI and sports! What is about to happen. When it comes to AI, the sports analytics crowd may be smaller. Know all about it here. If you enjoyed reading this article, please share it with your friends and family.
Hello players! Rockstar Games releases a trailer for GTA Online’s Cluck’s Bell Farm Raid featuring Vincent Effenburger with a confirmed release date of March 7, 2024. This article has some interesting details. Check it out here. If you enjoyed reading this article, please share it with your friends and family.
