Geomagnetic storm from Sun to hit the Earth: Migratory birds, satellites to be affected

It has been predicted that the May 7 CME could trigger a G1 class minor geomagnetic storm on Earth.

A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun is reportedly on its way to the inner planets, and will travel at speeds of over millions of kilometres per hour. More so, the CME is likely to impact Earth because plasma particles from the Sun might trigger a geomagnetic storm on the planet.

For the unversed, when a coronal mass ejection occurs, it sends billions of tons of charged particles hurtling into space at incredible speeds. They can travel up to 3 million kilometres per hour.

The US-based Space Weather Prediction Center has predicted that the May 7 CME could lead to a class minor geomagnetic storm on Earth. It could cause weak power grid fluctuations, and can even trigger a weak effect on the satellite operations.

The geomagnetic storms are actually caused due to the interaction between the CME's magnetic fields and Earth's magnetic field. When these magnetic fields collide, they lead to a fluctuation in the Earth's magnetic field, which can thereby send electrical currents in the ionosphere and in the Earth's surface.

Coming to the geomagnetic storm on Thursday, it can also impact the migratory animals likely at higher levels. Not to miss, the migratory birds use Earth's magnetic field for their navigational requirements.

Also, when Earth was recently hit by geomagnetic storms, it triggered auroras at even low altitudes. The mysterious phenomenon was also observed in Ladakh. The aurora was even captured on April 22-23 night after a coronal mass ejection occurred from the Sun on April 21.

Meanwhile, NASA has said that the Sun is peaking in its solar cycle. Last week itself, it exploded with 14 notable solar flares and 31 coronal mass ejections.