Major solar storm alert: Third CME this week to hit Earth on May 10-11, possibly affecting satellite communications, GPS and power grids

As we head towards a solar maximum possibly next year, the Sun has been flexing its massive muscles. Of late, it has been spewing out more and more powerful solar flares this week and launching a giant cloud of charged particles, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), straight at Earth.

With our solar neighbour having squeezed out another solar storm that could shake up our planet’s magnetic field tomorrow, do we need to take cover? Read on to find out.

The muscle in question is a huge canopy of a sunspot dubbed AR3664. Sprawling across 200,000 kilometres from end to end, this dark spot on the Sun is 15 times wider than Earth and rivals the great Carrington sunspot of 1859 in size. And it has spewed out six X-class flares in the past week, the last three whoppers clocking in at X1.3, X1.2, and X4.5!

Luckily, a repeat of the destructive Carrington event is unlikely. What we can expect is a possible double whammy of two CMEs and G2 geomagnetic storms that could escalate the storm to a G3 storm on Saturday, May 11.

The anticipated G2-class storm could disrupt radio signals, affecting communication with aircraft and ships. GPS accuracy might also take a hit, causing issues for industries relying on precise location data. Thankfully, these effects are temporary — so no need to retire to your apocalyptic bunkers just yet. However, satellites in lower orbits could face lasting damage due to increased atmospheric drag. A more positive outcome would be some gorgeous auroras.

Thankfully, missions like NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory are giving us a front-row seat to this solar drama, helping us understand and prepare for future storms. Further, CMEs usually arrive with a longer lead time than solar flares, providing a window of opportunity for preparation. This allows us to take steps to safeguard critical infrastructure, minimising potential damage.

Meanwhile, this surge in solar activity is nothing out of the ordinary. We're currently approaching solar maximum, a period of heightened solar activity in the Sun’s 11-year cycle. While the exact timing is uncertain, experts predict it to occur sometime between May 2024 and early 2026.

This weekend's geomagnetic storm serves as a reminder of the sun's immense power and the potential impact on our technology-driven world. Stay informed and stay curious for updates on this exciting space weather event!