CMEs travelling faster than the background solar wind speed can generate a shock wave. These shock waves can accelerate charged particles ahead of them — causing increased radiation storm potential or intensity. Important CME parameters used in analysis are size, speed, and direction. This can often provide 15 to 60 minutes advanced warning of shock arrival at Earth — and any possible sudden impulse or sudden storm commencement; as registered by Earth-based magnetometers. Important aspects of an arriving CME and its likelihood for causing more intense geomagnetic storming include the strength and direction of the IMF beginning with shock arrival, followed by arrival and passage of the plasma cloud and frozen-in-flux magnetic field.
More intense levels of geomagnetic storming are favored when the CME enhanced IMF becomes more pronounced and prolonged in a south-directed orientation. Some CMEs show predominantly one direction of the magnetic field during its passage, while most exhibit changing field directions as the CME passes over Earth.
SWPC forecasters discuss analysis and geomagnetic storm potential of CMEs in the forecast discussion and predict levels of geomagnetic storming in the 3-day forecast. As a result of these storms, SWPC has warned of potential power grid fluctuations and irregularities in satellite orientation.
The storms may also trigger stunning aurora displays of the northern lights as far south as New York, Wisconsin and Washington, the prediction noted. The sun just served up a powerful flare," the US space agency said in a tweet. The 12 strangest objects in the universe.
Larger storms can pack a bigger punch, such as the infamous storm known as the Carrington Event , which disrupted Earth's magnetosphere so severely that telegraph wires burst into flames. Future storms of this caliber could cripple the global internet, Live Science previously reported.
The sun is currently approaching a period known as the solar maximum — the most active part of its year cycle. During this period, the sun's magnetic field, which controls CMEs and other solar weather, is at its strongest, resulting in more and stronger solar storms. Other recent solar outbursts include a G2 storm that hit Earth on Oct.
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