From The Conversation · Mark Moldwin · · 1m 10s
Space weather powers auroras and threatens power grids
Auroras in the sky and power grid damage on Earth happen from the same space weather event.
In brief
Auroras in the sky and power grid damage on Earth happen from the same space weather event. Space weather events can cause auroras and damage power grids within minutes. Originally reported by The Conversation.
What is space weather
Space weather refers to changes in Earth's space environment caused by solar activity.
How solar wind works
Earth is constantly immersed in solar wind, a stream of charged particles from the Sun.
Coronal mass ejections
The Sun occasionally releases large eruptions called coronal mass ejections.
Magnetosphere interaction
Coronal mass ejections interact with Earth's magnetosphere, stretching magnetic field lines into the magnetotail.
Substorm formation
Magnetic field reconnection in the magnetotail releases energy as a substorm.
Aurora creation
Energetic particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen to create the aurora.
Ground effects
Substorms drive electrical currents that can damage power grids and transformers.
Real-world impacts
The 1989 geomagnetic storm caused Hydro-Québec power outages affecting 6 million people.
Recent events
The May 2024 geomagnetic storm caused power grid disruptions in southern Sweden.
The headline
Space weather events can cause auroras and damage power grids within minutes.
