Latest news with #geomagnetic
Sustainability Times
07-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'We Heard the Planet Scream': Scientists Release Haunting Audio of Earth's Magnetic Field Flipping—and It's Pure Nightmare Fuel
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Scientists have transformed data from the Swarm mission into sound, allowing us to audibly experience Earth's ancient magnetic reversal . . 🌐 Earth's magnetic field is generated by swirling liquid metals in the core, creating a protective shield against solar and cosmic radiation. is generated by swirling liquid metals in the core, creating a protective shield against solar and cosmic radiation. 📉 The Laschamps event saw the magnetic field weaken to 5% of its current strength, increasing cosmic ray exposure and impacting the ozone layer . . 🔄 Recent magnetic anomalies such as the South Atlantic Anomaly highlight the need for ongoing research to predict future geomagnetic shifts. Earth's magnetic field, a colossal invisible force, protects our planet from the harshness of space by deflecting solar winds and cosmic radiation. But imagine a world where this protective shield flips, with the North Pole becoming the South. Such a dramatic event occurred around 41,000 years ago, known as the Laschamps event. Recent scientific endeavors have allowed us to experience this upheaval through sound, thanks to data from the European Space Agency's Swarm satellite mission. This audio representation, crafted by the Technical University of Denmark and the German Research Center for Geosciences, offers a haunting glimpse into Earth's ancient magnetic past. The Science Behind Earth's Magnetic Field Earth's magnetic field is generated by the swirling liquid metals in its core, primarily iron and nickel. This dynamo effect creates electric currents, which in turn produce magnetic fields that extend from the planet's core into space. The field reaches hundreds of thousands of miles outward, forming the magnetosphere, a critical shield against solar and cosmic radiation. As the planet rotates, these liquid metals move, causing changes in the magnetic field's orientation and strength. These fluctuations are crucial for navigation, wildlife migration, and even communication technologies. However, the magnetic field is not static. The magnetic poles, for instance, are constantly shifting. Recently, the North Pole has been moving away from Canada toward Siberia, a phenomenon that scientists closely monitor for its implications on navigation and climate. 'We Finally Found It': Scientists Reveal the Missing Half of the Universe's Matter Was Hiding in Plain Sight All Along The Laschamps Event: A Historical Magnetic Reversal The Laschamps event was a significant geomagnetic reversal that occurred approximately 41,000 years ago. During this event, Earth's magnetic field weakened to just 5 percent of its current strength. This allowed a surge of cosmic rays to penetrate our atmosphere, affecting everything from climate to life on Earth. Evidence of this event is found in the isotopic signatures preserved in ice and marine sediment layers, particularly the increased levels of beryllium-10. These isotopes form when cosmic rays collide with atmospheric particles, significantly altering the ozone layer and potentially contributing to the extinction of megafauna in regions like Australia. The Laschamps event lasted for about 250 years, with the field remaining in a reversed orientation for an additional 440 years before returning to its current state. 'Human Gene Makes Mice Speak': Scientists Alter Rodents With Language DNA and Trigger Startling Changes in Vocal Behavior Modern Implications and Research Advances Understanding past magnetic reversals is crucial for predicting future events and their impacts on our planet. Recent magnetic anomalies, such as the South Atlantic Anomaly, raise questions about potential future reversals. This anomaly has resulted in increased radiation levels in that region, affecting satellites and other technologies. Since 2013, the European Space Agency's Swarm constellation has been actively measuring Earth's magnetic signals from various sources, including the core, mantle, and crust. These measurements help scientists decode the dynamic nature of the geomagnetic field and prepare for any significant changes that might impact the environment and human technology. 'China Unleashes Invisible Firepower': Newly Revealed Stealth Missiles Could Radically Transform the Future of Modern Warfare Experiencing Earth's Magnetic Flip Through Sound In a groundbreaking collaboration, scientists have turned data from the Swarm mission into sound, allowing us to experience the Laschamps event audibly. By translating magnetic field line movements into natural sounds like creaking wood and crashing rocks, this project offers a unique sensory insight into a world-altering event. Such innovative approaches not only make science more accessible but also emphasize the importance of understanding Earth's magnetic history. These audio representations serve as a stark reminder of the planet's dynamic nature and the potential vulnerabilities we face in the future. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of Earth's magnetic field, we gain invaluable insights into our planet's past and future. The ability to experience historical events through sound transforms abstract scientific data into a tangible experience. With advancements in technology and research, what other natural phenomena might we soon be able to experience in such a profound way? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (30)
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern lights may be visible in these 10 US States tonight
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Unsettled geomagnetic activity triggered by high-speed solar winds could spark northern lights over parts of the U.S. tonight (June 26–27), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (NOAA SWPC). A colossal coronal hole on the sun has rotated to face Earth and is currently sending a stream of high-speed solar wind our way. As the solar wind slams into our planet's magnetic field, it disrupts geomagnetic conditions, which in turn can lead to geomagnetic storms and vivid auroras. Space weather forecasters from the U.K. Met Office and NOAA's SWPC predict there is a chance of minor (G1) geomagnetic storms tonight as geomagnetic activity remains mainly unsettled to active. That means there's a window of opportunity for aurora sightings at northern latitudes, weather and darkness permitting. Based on the latest NOAA forecast, we've listed 10 U.S. states that appear either fully or partially above the aurora view line — ordered from most likely to least likely to catch the lights, based on how much of each state lies within the auroral oval. Alaska Montana North Dakota Minnesota South Dakota Michigan (Upper Peninsula) Wisconsin Maine Idaho Washington Remember, auroras can be fickle. Sometimes they can appear much farther south than predicted, and other times they barely show up at all. There are many conditions that have to align for the perfect show. It is possible that many more states could witness auroras tonight, or perhaps far fewer will. Aurora alerts Keep up with the latest forecasts and geomagnetic storm warnings with our aurora forecast live blog. If you're in one of the states listed above, your best bet is to head to a north-facing location, far away from city lights. With summer daylight hanging on late, around 1 a.m. local time is typically your best shot. Try using your smartphone camera to scan the sky — it often picks up faint auroras your eyes might miss. Once your camera catches a hint of green or purple, focus your attention there. That said, don't forget to glance around — auroras can pop up in front, behind, or right overhead. If you want to make sure you're all clued up on when to look for auroras, download a space weather app that provides forecasts based on your location. One option I use is "My Aurora Forecast & Alerts," available for both iOS and Android. However, any similar app should work well. I also use the "Space Weather Live" app, which is available on iOS and Android, to get a deeper understanding of whether the current space weather conditions are favorable for aurora sightings.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Earth to be hit by powerful shockwave in just HOURS after giant 'claw-shaped' hole bursts through the sun
A giant hole has ripped open on the sun, blasting Earth with a high-speed stream of charged particles that could trigger power disruptions. Officials warned that the solar wind is expected to strike Earth Friday causing a G2-level geomagnetic storm that is considerate moderate on a scale from G1 to G5. However, it is still powerful enough to damage transformers in high-latitude power systems, affect satellite operations, and cause radio blackouts. 'Weak power grid fluctuations can occur,' officials share in a Friday update, noting that electricity has weakened around Michigan as of this morning. A geomagnetic storm is a temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetic field caused by a massive eruption of charged plasma from the sun's outermost layer. The official space weather forecast showed G-2 levels are expected to linger into Saturday, but decrease to a G1 storm by Sunday. The solar activity could also send stunning northern lights as far south as Maine and Michigan. The solar storm comes as scientists recently warned that humanity is not prepared for extreme space weather. The colossal claw-shaped opening, known as a coronal hole, is the source of what's known as a Coronal Hole High-Speed Stream (CH HSS), a fast-moving flow of solar wind now headed straight for Earth. The wind is currently traveling at hundreds of miles per second, faster than Earth's magnetic field. As the stream catches up to slower solar wind ahead of it, it may create a Co-Rotating Interaction Region (CIR), a shockwave-like effect that can intensify the storm by compressing Earth's magnetic field. This can lead to a range of effects: slight changes in satellite orbits, glitches in onboard instruments, and disruptions to polar flight navigation that relies on radio signals. GPS services may also be affected, causing timing errors or location drift, especially near the poles or at high altitudes. These disturbances are more common and more intense during solar maximum, the most active phase of the sun's 11-year cycle, when solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections peak. Sunspots are dark areas on the sun where it's extra active, and solar flares are sudden bursts of energy from those spots. Coronal mass ejections are huge clouds of charged particles the sun blasts into space, which can affect Earth's magnetic field. During geomagnetic storms, solar particles strike Earth's magnetic field, some are directed to the planet's poles, where they collide with the gases in the atmosphere creating auroras. On Saturday, auroras could be visible as far south as 55 degrees latitude, including parts of the northern US from New York to Idaho, depending on weather and light conditions. The best views are expected further north, particularly in Canada. On average, Earth experiences about 360 G2 level storms during the single solar cycle. The G2 storm, the one recorded in September 2018, lasted for about four hours, with lingering weaker disturbances, classified as G1-level, before and after the main event. Scientists say the same coronal hole faced Earth almost exactly a year ago, from June 4–5, 2024, and triggered a sustained G2-level storm. In May, experts revealed they conducted extreme space weather scenario and found Earth may not survive. They conducted a 'solar storm emergency drill', simulating what would happen if a major geomagnetic storm hit our planet. Results showed power grids failed, blackouts were triggered and communication broke down across the US. The exercise ran four simulations of geomagnetic storms of different severities, which is is a temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetic field caused by a massive eruption of charged plasma from the sun's outermost layer. One scenario included a 'solar superstorm', strong enough cause an 'internet apocalypse,' resulting in power grid disruptions across the entire US with the eastern seaboard experiencing blackouts, which lasted for weeks. Not only were power grids impacted, but railways and pipelines were also knocked offline, causing mass disruptions of travel and dramatic price increases of gas. Scientists are now calling for a whole-of-government planning approach, arguing it will be critical for protecting America from cosmic disaster. That would include deploying more satellites to monitor space weather, enhance real-time data collection to improve forecasting models, and provide earlier warnings.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern Lights 2025: New opportunity to view dazzling light display in Delaware Valley
The Brief Heads up: it's looking like we'll see the Northern Lights across the Philadelphia area Sunday night. A strong solar storm occurred Friday, presenting the Northeast with another opportunity to see the Northern Lights Sunday night. PHILADELPHIA - Several times in 2024, the Northern Lights were visible in the region, which is an unusual and rare occurrence for the area. Another opportunity to view the beautiful spectacle is presenting itself Sunday night, scientists say. What we know Remember when everyone was seeing the Northern Lights across southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and South Jersey one night last October? We got to see the Northern Lights so much farther south than usual because of what forecasters called a "G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm." That strong of a solar storm is pretty rare, and forecasters are calling for another Sunday night. The backstory The sun constantly sends charged energy into space. While Earth's magnetic field blocks out most of it, some of it sneaks in around the North and South Pole, leading to the northern and southern lights in those places. Occasionally, a much bigger blast of charged energy leaves the sun, and that's exactly what happened on Friday. You can see an example of that on X, here. "Confidence in an Earth-arrival component to this [energy] is good" says the branch of the National Weather Service that focuses on space weather. "However, timing and intensity are more uncertain," they note. Timeline Right now, they anticipate 9 to 11 p.m. as the best time for you to see the Northern Lights with your own eyes Sunday night in the Philadelphia area. If you head outside, but don't see anything, try taking a picture with your cell phone on the night sight setting where it takes five to 10 seconds to capture a picture. Phones can capture the Northern Lights when our eyes cannot. However, Sunday night's anticipated Northern Lights should be strong enough to see when you look up. What you can do If you see them, share your picture with Kathy Orr and FOX29. You might see one on air during our weather forecasts.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe geomagnetic storm could spark auroras, disrupt communications next week
(FOX 5/KUSI) — A powerful solar storm is on the way, and it could disrupt communications, GPS systems and even produce rare auroras across parts of the United States early next week, according to weather experts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Monday, June 2, after a coronal mass ejection (CME)—an enormous burst of solar plasma—erupted from the Sun on Friday, May 30. The CME is expected to reach Earth by Sunday evening (June 1) and could spark strong geomagnetic activity almost immediately. Initial storm levels may reach G3 (Strong), with conditions potentially intensifying to G4 by Monday. Although the forecast indicates strong potential for disruption, officials note that the exact timing and intensity of the storm are still uncertain. Much of the impact will depend on the CME's magnetic orientation—data that will only be known once it reaches solar wind observatories located about 1 million miles from Earth. 'Upon arrival at those spacecraft, we will know the magnetic strength and orientation that are very important to what levels and duration of geomagnetic storm conditions are expected to occur,' NOAA officials noted in the weather warning. While most aurora activity is typically seen closer to the poles, strong geomagnetic storms can push auroras farther south. Depending on how intense the storm becomes, parts of the northern U.S. may be treated to rare views of the Northern Lights. A G4-level storm could lead to GPS errors, radio signal disruptions, and even voltage irregularities in power grids, though these impacts are less likely at lower latitudes. High-frequency radio communications, used in some trans-oceanic flights, and navigation systems may be affected. Airlines and space agencies are monitoring the situation closely. The storm is expected to taper off by Tuesday, June 3, with lingering G1-G2 (Minor to Moderate) conditions possible. For the latest updates, NOAA recommends visiting its Space Weather Prediction Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
