Solar storm forecast: A storm watch is in effect for Tuesday and Wednesday (Image: SPWC)
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The intensity of the storm shut down telegraph systems across Europe and North America and even set some buildings on fire when equipment started sparking.
Luckily for us, Saturday s CME will not hit us head-on and its effects will be minor at most.
The SWPC said: A G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for February 23 and 24, 2020, UTC-days. A CME that occurred on February 20, 2021, was analyzed and modelled, and it is likely that the flanking edge of the CME may arrive as a minor glancing blow late on the February 23 UTC-day.
Geomagnetic Storm to Reach Peak Strength, May Cause ‘Weak Power Grid Fluctuations’
A minor geomagnetic storm is expected to reach peak strength on Thursday, and may cause “weak power grid fluctuations,” the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center said.
The G1 geomagnetic storm was observed on Tuesday as its strength increased over the past few days, according to the center. An initial alert warned of possible “power system voltage irregularities” and false alarms on certain protection devices.
Geomagnetic storms are major solar activities, such as the sudden changes in the speed and strength of the solar wind, that can disrupt the Earth’s magnetic fields and directly affect operations like mineral exploration, navigation compass, and directional drilling. The storms duration can vary from hours to days, according to Space Weather Canada.