Since everything is now exposed to these phenomena, we are all now greatly impacted by them, especially our navigation and communication systems, which were not particularly important in the very early days of space weather phenomena but now play an important role in the creation of a beautiful aurora.
What actually solar storm is?
We are aware that magnetic disturbances take place and that the sun is a magnetic variable star. Therefore, a dangerous eruption of charge particles from the sun that are travelling extremely quickly towards our earth explodes when the magnetic field is interrupted. When billions of tones of plasma from solar flares and solar wind collide with our planet and strike it, a geomagnetic storm result.
Geomagnetic Storm?
Geomagnetic storm is the term used to describe the brief disruption in the earth’s magnetic field. Charged particles are found in the ionosphere, which makes up the upper atmosphere of the earth. Due to the equal number of charged particles present, the ionosphere is naturally neutral. As a result, our ionosphere becomes disturbed and the layers’ structural order is disorganized when these charge particles interact with solar particle ejections. When ionization happens during the day, signals from satellites and the global positioning system pass through the ionosphere. Some of these signals are absorbed by electrons, while others vary and last permanently. The precision of the positioning and navigation systems will also be impacted by this disturbance. Therefore, the solar storm mostly disrupts navigation and communication systems. The geomagnetic storms cause severe threats to GNSS and other satellites and similarly, it is vulnerable to everything on the Earth
FIRST SOLAR STORM
In his personal observatory telescope, Richard Carrington was the first to spot the solar flare incident. Early in the 19th century, between May 1806 and June 1807 (strong magnetic deflection), Alexander von Humboldt made the first scientific observation of the consequences of a geomagnetic storm. However, we can respond to the question, “What may the greatest intensity of a storm be?” It is impossible to anticipate exactly when and how violent a storm will be.
SPACE WEATHER
Disturbance in near-Earth space, the term used to describe all of the aforementioned events, is also known as space weather.
There are five different kinds of it.
Space hurricanes known as magnetic storms geomagnetic disruptions that are widespread and persistent Impulsive geomagnetic disturbances called magnetic substorms (space tornadoes). Ionospheric plasma density disturbances: Destroying the layered structure of the ionosphere. Enhanced extremely high-energy particle fluxes. Auroras (rain from space). Enhanced energetic particle precipitations associated with storms/sub-storms.
WHY DO WE CARE ABOUT IT?
As for now, these events of space weather may have a negative effect on us. Damage to hardware both on Earth and in space, a lack of navigation and communication, radiation risks for pilots and astronauts, and malfunctioning electronics, such as memory or CPU, are just a few examples. Solar storms disrupt satellite and radio waves signals because they cause the ionosphere to vibrate. In order to understand and analyses the behavior and effects of the ionosphere, it is crucial to conduct ionospheric research and study. Based on the wavelength of solar radiation that is absorbed, the ionosphere is loosely split into three altitude-based sections, with D being the lowest and F being the highest. Total Electron Content (TEC) and measurements can be used to study this effect. As the Sun sets, production ceases, charged particles progressively recombine during the night, and density lowers. Ionosphere-wide actions.
High levels of free electrons in the ionosphere have an impact on radio propagation. Free electrons in the ionosphere vibrate and emit energy back down at the same frequency when High Frequency (HF) radio waves strike them. When radio waves arrive on Earth from space, some of the waves are absorbed by the ionosphere’s electrons while others pass through and can be seen by observers on the ground.
Our ionosphere research will aid in enhancing the dependability and precision of radio equipment. The region of the high atmosphere where we see the aurora is called the ionosphere. It is significant because it has an impact on radio transmissions in ways that can either improve or deteriorate our capacity for communication and navigation. For instance, high-frequency (HF) radio waves are used to transmit the BBC World Service. Because it is reflected back to the Earth’s surface by the ionosphere, it can only be accessed in isolated areas. The high atmosphere behaves almost like a mirror. The ionosphere has varying effects on the satellite navigation system. At times, the signals are delayed more than at other times and may even be totally lost as they pass through the ionosphere.
As a result, we can see in the above picture that the solar storm and its impact on the ionosphere directly affect all of the communication and navigation systems. All signals going through the ionosphere will unquestionably fluctuate and be affected if the ionosphere is impacted by these occurrences.
Selecting Global Positioning systems will reveal the ionospheric fluctuations (GPS). Then, the information from these GPS stations is examined and analyzed to determine the impact on various industries
It is crucial to research how space weather affects communication networks and the earth. Future technological developments will make it easier to predict solar storms and identify potential safety measures to reduce their detrimental effects and preserve the earth from them.
Muhammad Taimur Khan
M. Taimur Khan did BS(HONS) in physics and MS in Astronomy & Astrophysics. His research interest evolved around detection of solar storms and their influence on GNSS and GPS systems.