Autumn Witnesses Increased Magnetic Storms: Understanding Their Causes and Predicting Future Extreme Events

Autumn is fast approaching, and with it comes a unique spectacle in the night sky – magnetic storms and auroras. These natural phenomena are a result of Earth's magnetic field responding to solar events, a process known as a magnetic storm.

As we move into September, there will be several moderate magnetic storms, but no extreme ones are expected. This makes autumn an ideal time to observe these awe-inspiring displays, as the relatively warm nights and already quite dark skies offer optimal viewing conditions.

The increase in geomagnetic activity during autumn is related to Earth's position and the orientation of its magnetic field relative to the solar wind. Contrary to popular belief, Earth is not "desperate" after summer; solar activity is not synchronized with Earth's seasons. Instead, significant geomagnetic disturbances depend on solar phenomena rather than Earth's calendar.

One such solar phenomenon is a coronal hole, from which high-speed solar plasma streams out. Such streams are expected to cause a magnetic storm around September 7. Despite the occasional significant disturbance from coronal holes, "hole" magnetic storms are typical for the decline phase of solar activity, which we are currently in.

The peak of the 25th solar cycle was reached last year, and we are now in the decline phase. The absolute activity of the Sun is still quite high and will decrease slowly and over a long period. This decrease, however, does not mean the end of auroras. The northern lights are currently visible in the sky, and the Polar lights in the European part of the country will definitely still happen, and not just once, in September.

While stronger magnetic storms may seem intimidating, their effect is not as pronounced as commonly believed. Hydrogen, a common element in the solar plasma, may play a role in mitigating global warming, but its exact impact is still unclear.

Conspiracy theories suggest that humans are causing magnetic storms and auroras, but scientists attribute their causes to cosmic events. The solar and Earth's pulse are monitored daily by researchers to better understand these phenomena and predict future occurrences.

So, as autumn arrives, keep an eye on the night sky. You might just catch a glimpse of Earth's dance with the Sun – a dance that has been happening for billions of years.

Autumn Witnesses Increased Magnetic Storms: Understanding Their Causes and Predicting Future Extreme Events