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A rare solar storm is scheduled to Earth at 2.1 million km/h, sparking intense geomagnetic activity and raising global concerns over power grids, satellites, and GPS systems.
Cannibal CMEs are considered especially hazardous because of their concentrated energy and magnetic force. (News18)
A powerful solar storm is currently making its way towards Earth, travelling at an astonishing speed of 2.1 million kilometres per hour. This is no ordinary solar event – scientists across the globe are closely monitoring what’s known as a ‘Cannibal CME’ – a rare and explosive solar eruption that has the potential to disrupt satellites, power grids, and global communication systems.
How It All Started
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The chain of events began on August 30, when an active region of the Sun released a long-duration M2.7-class solar flare. Following this, multiple Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) were ejected in close succession. One of these CMEs, moving faster than the rest, caught up with and overtook the slower one, creating what scientists call a Cannibal CME.
This massive plasma cloud collided with Earth’s magnetic field late on September 1, sparking intense geomagnetic activity. Space weather experts from NOAA and NASA had anticipated the collision, but its impact proved far more intense than expected.
Immediate Impact On Earth’s Magnetic Shield
The sudden impact compressed Earth’s magnetosphere, increasing the speed of solar winds and triggering geomagnetic storms rated from G1 (minor) to G3 (strong) on the storm scale.
These storms are already producing stunning aurora displays at much lower latitudes than usual, visible across large parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
Auroras Across 18 US States Amid Intense Solar Storm Activity
According to reports, the expected auroras are being driven by the impact of a powerful CME that erupted from sunspot AR4199 on 30 August. It struck Earth’s magnetic field around 5 pm EDT (2100 GMT) on September 1.
If geomagnetic activity reaches the anticipated levels, the resulting auroras will be visible much farther south in the US than normal, potentially appearing in as many as 18 states. These will include Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, South Dakota, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, New York, Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois.
Why ‘Cannibal CMEs’ Are Dangerous?
Cannibal CMEs are considered especially hazardous because of their concentrated energy and magnetic force. When two CMEs merge, the resulting explosion carries dense, magnetised plasma capable of:
- Disrupting power systems, particularly in high-latitude regions
- Altering satellite orbits due to increased atmospheric drag
- Interfering with GPS and radio communication
- In addition, such events can cause prolonged geomagnetic disturbances, making recovery more difficult and unpredictable.
Rising Risk Amid An Active Solar Cycle
This event signals a trend scientists have been anticipating. As the Sun progresses toward the peak of Solar Cycle 25, the frequency and severity of solar storms like this are expected to increase. The likelihood of technological disruption, particularly to systems dependent on satellite infrastructure, is rising.
Preparedness And Monitoring
Space weather experts and technical teams are now on high alert. Agencies continue to monitor the storm’s effects in real time. Meanwhile, operators of satellites, airlines, and power grids are bracing for potential disturbances, adjusting systems to minimise damage.
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