# 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.
- Title: Space weather powers auroras and threatens power grids
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: space weather, aurora, power grid, magnetic field, solar wind, substorm, geomagnetic storm, earth's magnetic field, coronal mass ejection, magnetotail, power lines, transformers
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/how-space-weather-powers-auroras-in-the-sky-and-threatens-power-grids-on-the-ground-291841
- Author: Mark Moldwin
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: space weather, aurora, power grid, magnetic field, solar wind, substorm, geomagnetic storm, earth's magnetic field, coronal mass ejection, magnetotail, power lines, transformers
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Space weather events can cause auroras and damage power grids within minutes.