Geomagnetic storm and space weather

Upload your content
Image
he Northern Light aurora over Vik city in Iceland
Pigprox/Shutterstock

Introduction

A geomagnetic storm refers to disturbances of the Earth’s magnetosphere, caused by sudden strong variations in the speed, density and magnetic properties of the solar wind.

The resulting magnetic field variations within the magnetosphere generate electric currents in long conductors such as power lines and pipelines. The effects of geomagnetic storms range from mild (interference with aeromagnetic surveys) to extreme (electric power grids may experience blackouts or collapse).

This collection compiles resources on geomagnetic storms and space weather.

Knowledge base

Tree rings show historic climatic changes
Update

WVU researcher says ancient tree rings may help Earth prepare for dangerous space weather

Severe space weather, like Miyake events, disrupts technology by altering radiocarbon in tree rings. The study examines how trees record these events to help prepare for future space weather that could impact satellites and communication systems.
West Virginia University
Update

A geomagnetic storm is hitting the northern part of the U.S. Here’s how the solar event may impact you

The solar storm could impact satellite systems, but also increases chances of seeing the northern lights.
Northeastern University
Cover
Documents and publications

Machine learning models for predicting geomagnetic storms across five solar cycles using Dst index and heliospheric variables

This study aims to improve the understanding of geomagnetic storms by utilizing machine learning models and analyzing several heliophysical variables, such as the interplanetary magnetic field, proton density, solar wind speed, and proton temperature.
Update

Recently completed geophysical survey will help protect critical infrastructure from geomagnetic storms and space weather

The United States Magnetotelluric Array provides geophysical information about the electrical structure of the Earth that aid in hazard assessments such as those that address the impacts of geomagnetic storms and space weather on electric power grids
United States Geological Survey
Update

These two U.S. cities are the most vulnerable to severe space weather

Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee are particularly vulnerable to the threat of geomagnetic storms caused by activity on the sun's surface—but experts are still trying to figure out why.
Forbes Media LLC
Cover
Documents and publications

Pathways to global coordination in space weather: International organizations, initiatives, and space agencies

This paper is the second part of two papers on global coordination in space weather. In this paper the activities of established and emerging international organizations and initiatives related to space weather research and operations are introduced.
Northern lights
Update

Geomagnetic storm shows need for space weather forecasts

One of the largest geomagnetic storms in several decades has caused a spectacular light show in skies around the world and highlighted the importance of forecasts of potentially disruptive space weather events
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Cover
Documents and publications

The effect of helio-geomagnetic activity in the geo-environment and by extension to human health

The purpose of the present Special Issue is to amass and categorize an extensive array of studies on the effect of helio-geomagnetic activity in the geo-environment and by extension to human health.
Railway in the UK
Research briefs

Rail industry urged to consider safety risks of space weather

Solar storms can trigger powerful magnetic disturbances on Earth, creating geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) which could potentially interfere with electricity transmission and distribution grids.
Lancaster University
Cover and title of publication
Documents and publications

Four new horsemen of an apocalypse? Solar flares, super‑volcanoes, pandemics, and artificial intelligence

This survey aims to explore the probability of four catastrophic risks: space weather and solar fares, super-volcanic eruptions, high mortality pandemics, and misaligned artificial intelligence.

Is this page useful?

Yes No
Report an issue on this page

Thank you. If you have 2 minutes, we would benefit from additional feedback (link opens in a new window).