Why Space Weather Puts Power Grids At Risk
Summary
A severe geomagnetic storm, caused by a solar event known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), has threatened power grids in the United States, potentially causing widespread blackouts. The storm also made the Northern Lights visible much farther south than usual.Key Facts
- A geomagnetic storm of category G4 affected power grids in at least 11 U.S. states.
- The storm was triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun.
- Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) can pass through power lines and lead to voltage instability and equipment damage.
- Such currents can cause blackouts by damaging important equipment like transformers.
- The storm made the Northern Lights visible as far south as Tampa, Florida.
- These auroras are rarely seen so far south and usually appear once or twice per solar cycle, which lasts around 11 years.
- The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center predicts a drop in storm intensity from G3 on Thursday to G1 by Friday, with no storm expected by Saturday.
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