The Earth may experience a solar storm on September 25th, following a massive plasma ejection from the Sun.
On September 22nd, a solar sunspot named AR3835 unexpectedly erupted, releasing a significant amount of plasma into space. This event coincides closely with the autumn equinox, an astronomical phenomenon that occurs twice a year when the Earth’s rotational axis is aligned with its orbit around the Sun. This alignment has increased the likelihood of a solar storm, a phenomenon that could have several impacts on our planet in the coming days.
According to space scientists, a coronal mass ejection (CME) was recorded at 21:39 UTC (4:30 AM on September 23rd in Hanoi) when the previously stable AR3835 unexpectedly emitted an M-class solar storm. This event was not predicted by scientists, as AR3835 was believed to lack the energy needed for an eruption.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) was recorded at 21:39 (4:30 AM on September 23rd in Hanoi).
Currently, this plasma stream is heading towards Earth at speeds exceeding 1,046,073 km/h. Although NASA’s models indicate that most of the plasma will not directly impact Earth but will only cause minor effects on the magnetosphere—the layer that protects the planet from solar radiation—timing of this event close to the equinox may heighten the risk of a solar storm on September 25th.
Solar Storms and Their Potential Impacts
Solar storms can disrupt radio communication systems, affect power grids, and even lead to widespread power outages. In high latitudes, these solar storms can create stunning light displays known as auroras.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center categorizes solar storms on a scale from G1 to G5, with G5 being the most severe, capable of causing complete collapse of electrical and communication systems. Weaker storms, such as G1 or G2, could occur on September 25th, potentially causing only minor impacts on infrastructure in northern or southern polar regions.
Why is the Equinox Significant?
The equinox is a special time when both hemispheres of the Earth receive equal hours of daylight and darkness because the Earth’s rotational axis is not tilted towards either side in its orbit around the Sun. The autumn equinox in 2024 falls on the morning of September 22nd, marking the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Scientific studies have shown that the frequency of solar storms significantly increases around the time of the equinox and the vernal equinox each year. The primary reason for this increase relates to how the Earth’s magnetosphere, which protects against charged particles from the Sun, interacts with the Sun’s magnetic field during this period.
At other times of the year, the Earth’s magnetic field and the Sun’s magnetic field are often not perfectly aligned, allowing Earth to avoid most impacts from charged particle eruptions such as CMEs or solar winds. However, during the periods close to the equinoxes, these two magnetic fields align, reducing the ability to “deflect” charged particles, and making Earth more susceptible to solar storms.
This phenomenon is known as the Russell-McPherron effect, named after the two scientists who proposed the hypothesis in 1973 to explain the seasonal variation in solar storm frequency. Data collected from 1932 to 2014 indicates that solar storms are twice as likely to occur around the equinoxes compared to other times of the year, particularly during the months of the summer and winter solstices, when the Earth’s poles are directly facing towards or away from the Sun.
According to scientists, the eruption of AR3835 near the equinox is likely to cause a solar storm on September 25th. While the impact may not be severe, communication and power systems in high-latitude areas could still face some risks. Meanwhile, those who enjoy auroras might have the opportunity to witness stunning light displays in the coming days.
