Solar Spectacle 2024: The year our star dazzles

Imagine the Sun, our star, as a cauldron of cosmic events. Among these are solar storms, a spectacle of nature that paints the sky with the auroras while challenging our technological prowess. A solar storm, or geomagnetic storm, is essentially a clash of magnetic fields — Earth’s meets the Sun’s.

According to Bhumika Aggarwal, PRT – Social Science at Apeejay School Svran Global in Sector 21-D, solar storms are primarily caused by the release of magnetic energy from the Sun’s atmosphere, particularly the corona.

“These storms are typically triggered by magnetic reconnection, which occurs when the magnetic field lines in the Sun’s atmosphere realign and release a tremendous amount of energy. This energy is then transferred into space in the form of solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and other solar phenomena, which can impact Earth’s magnetosphere and cause geomagnetic storms,” the educator explained and added that this happens through a complex process involving the Sun’s magnetic field and its atmosphere.

Solar storms, she said, play a crucial role in the larger cycle of solar activity known as the solar cycle. The solar cycle typically lasts about 11 years and is characterised by fluctuations in the Sun’s magnetic activity, sunspot numbers, and the occurrence of solar flares and CMEs.

Solar storms fit into these cycles

Active Sun: During the active phase of the solar cycle, the Sun’s magnetic activity increases, leading to the formation of sunspots and the occurrence of solar flares and CMEs. These solar storms are more frequent and intense during this period.

Solar Maximum: The peak of solar activity within the solar cycle is called solar maximum. This phase is characterised by a high number of sunspots, increased solar flares, and a higher probability of Earth-directed CMEs. Solar storms during solar maximum can have a greater impact on Earth’s magnetosphere and space weather.

⁠Solar Minimum: The Sun is relatively quiet, with fewer sunspots and less frequent solar flares and CMEs. However, even during solar minimum, solar storms can still occur, albeit less frequently.

Long-Term Variability: Solar storms, along with other solar activity indicators, contribute to the long-term variability observed in the solar cycle. Understanding the frequency and intensity is important for studying the Sun’s behaviour and its impact on Earth’s space environment.

Space Weather Impact: Solar storms, especially during periods of heightened solar activity, can impact Earth’s space weather and technological systems..

Aggarwal also shared that solar storms can influence other planets and objects in the solar system, albeit to varying degrees depending on factors such as the planet’s magnetic field, atmosphere, and distance from the Sun.

·         Planets with magnetic fields like Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, can experience interactions with solar storms. When a solar storm, particularly a CME, reaches a planet with a magnetic field, it can compress or distort the planet’s magnetosphere, leading to geomagnetic disturbances and auroras.

·         Solar storms can also impact the upper atmosphere of planets. For example, on Mars, solar storms can influence the behaviour of the planet’s thin atmosphere and ionosphere.

·         These storms can generate energetic particles such as protons and electrons. These particles can pose radiation hazards to spacecraft and planetary environments.

·         In the case of Jupiter’s moon Io, solar storms and the planet’s intense magnetic field can interact with Io’s ionosphere, leading to auroras and contributing to the volcanic activity on Io’s surface.

Engaging with the Solar Maximum: A Call to Action

As we stand on the brink of Solar Cycle 25’s peak, it’s clear that this period holds both challenges and opportunities. It’s a time for the scientific community to leap forward in understanding, for industries to fortify against the invisible forces of space weather, and for the public to marvel at the celestial wonders above.