The Earth is bracing for a strong ‘G3’ category geomagnetic storm today, March 31 as one of the most active regions of the sun erupted recently. US space agency NASA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm watch for today.
A strong G3 storm may affect power systems as well as disrupt HF radio communications causing disturbance and blackout. It can also affect satellites. As per SWPC the geomagnetic storm is expected to occur after the arrival of the said CME during the early evening of March 30 into the early morning of March 31 (EDT).
“Possibility of flare induced severe ionospheric perturbations and hazardous radiation environment exists over next few days,” tweeted Center of Excellence in Space Sciences India, IISER-Kolkata, which keeps a watch on solar activity.
While a strong G3 storm can have some consequences, a G4 or G5 geomagnetic storm could have a graver impact on electricity grids, which can affect power, satellite communications, computers and the internet.
Apart from the G3 warning on Thursday, SWPC also has a G1 (Minor) watch is in effect for March 30, and a G2 (Moderate) for April 1.
