Double solar storm hits Earth and another is on the way

Two coronal mass ejections hit Earth’s magnetic field and caused a severe storm. Another is scheduled for Saturday

Two coronal mass ejections emitted by the Sun hit the Earth’s magnetic field this Thursday, 2. Although the impacts were small, the combination of both triggered a class G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm with auroras.

The Sun remains agitated, presenting several active regions and sunspots that cause daily eruptions. Some of these result in coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which eventually reach Earth’s magnetic field.

On Wednesday, the 1st, there were four eruptions, one of which was classified as M9.5 — almost reaching the level considered “strong”. In total, between May 1st and 2nd, there were 17 flares, four class M (moderate) and 13 C (weak). All M flares produced radio blackouts in some region of the Earth.

It is not yet clear what solar events were related to the impacts of the two CMEs this Thursday. Another CME (video below) is expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field on May 4, potentially causing a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm and producing aurora borealis.

One of the main responsible for the intense activity on the Sun is the sunspot region AR3654, which is approaching the edge of the right side of the Sun. This means that it will soon disappear on the far side, although it may still have some explosions in store for us surprising.

Meanwhile, another large active region full of spots is emerging on the left side: AR3664. Space weather scientists are keeping an eye on and tracking solar activity 24 hours a day to ensure no dangerous solar storms take us by surprise.

Source: Spaceweather.com, EarthSky