US Weather Service SWPC It comes with the prediction that a magnetic wave will hit our planet at a speed of hundreds of kilometers per second. Also, the wave can cause a “geomagnetic storm”. Much panic seems unnecessary, and the Earth won’t stop spinning anytime soon. However, there’s a good chance we’ll notice something.

The prediction is because the Sun has been more active recently. In this way, it directs not only solar rays, but also plasma and magnetic fields to Earth. SWPC, which monitors space weather, sees the intensity of those fields increasing, so a Special weather forecast.

In it, the American organization specifically warns about gas bubbles (or CMEs) recently blown off the sun. These bubbles are filled with magnetic force and can have a significant impact if they collide with the magnetic field around Earth. “Geomagnetic interactions are likely to grow to strong G3-level forces on Thursday,” the US forecast reads.

The SWPC ranks magnetic storms on a scale of 1 to 5. 1 is a minor storm and 5 is a severe storm. That won’t happen this week. The worst-case scenario is a Level 3 storm making landfall on Thursday.

Chances of satellite and power grid failure

In the worst case of a magnetic storm, according to the Meteorological Center, we must take into account problems with satellite navigation. Interference can also occur in low frequency radio systems.

If the geomagnetic interaction becomes stronger than expected, even power plants can be affected. The impact may also cause spacecraft to adjust their course.

The Sun is constantly showing how great its magnetic power is. Last February, a magnetic storm meant a very costly setback for Elon Musk. Forty of its just-launched SpaceX satellites were caught in the storm and abandoned Completely destroyed.

The aurora is visible further south

There are not only negative effects. Thanks to magnetic forces, you don’t have to go to Norway or Iceland to see the green aurora. Magnetic fields push that aurora farther south.

You can because of the magnetic forces of the Earth and the Sun Late last year With a bit of luck you can even see part of the aurora in the Netherlands. Chances of this happening again in the coming days are very small.