Apparently, A Geomagnetic Storm Is On Its Way To NYC
While we’re patiently waiting to see how the 2024-2025 winter predictions pan out, we have another impending event: a geomagnetic storm. NYC will experience it on Thursday, October 10th and Friday, October 11th.
With this forthcoming happening, star gazers will be pleased to learn aurora borealis will likely be visible — a green and purple tinge highlighting the night sky. (We’re always clamoring for a glimpse of the Northern Lights, aren’t we?)
While it seems like a beautiful sight to behold, there are a few potential issues that come along with a geomagnetic storm. Here’s what we know.
What is a geomagnetic storm?
The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration defines a geomagnetic storm as “a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when there is a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth. These storms result from variations in the solar wind that produces major changes in the currents, plasmas, and fields in Earth’s magnetosphere.”
It all sounds very scientific, and it has the power to disrupt technology. However, it’s not harmful.
According to NASA, “Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation. Harmful radiation from a flare cannot pass through Earth’s atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground. However — when intense enough — they can disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS & communications signals travel.”
What will happen during a geomagnetic storm?
During this time, power grids, radio signals, GPS systems, and the like could potentially be affected.
NYC Emergency Management is monitoring this week’s potential situation and said, “Our federal partners from the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) have issued a Geomagentic Storm Watch.”
It added, “While the public does not need to take any action at this time, we always encourage everyone to stay informed through Notify NYC and having an emergency plan in place that includes a Go Bag with an AM radio.”
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as more information unfolds.
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