Storms in Space!!!!!!!
How do Geomagnetic storms effect the Earth?
WHAT IS A SOLAR STORM?
In order for weather storms to occur on Earth, atmosphere must be present. We know that space is a void but there is at least one kind of storm in space. It is called a geomagnetic storm or solar storm. This is a temporary disturbance of the Earth's magnetosphere caused by a solar wind or shock wave. This shock wave is sudden energy released from the Sun. Solar flares are thought to result from the build up and explosive release of magnetic energy in the solar atmosphere.
How do these geomagnetic storms effect the Earth?
- These storms can push the aurora borealis south and can be visible if the storm is powerful enough.
- It can also infer with power grids and GPS's.
- These geomagnetic blasts can also effect whales, dolphins and other animals like carrier pigeons. They use a kind of biological compass to navigate (think, built-in GPS devices). These solar storms can disorient whales and dolphins, causing them to beach.
Have you had trouble sleeping lately?
The solar storm that hit Earth recently (March 2015) had a effect on some of us humans too. The storm that hit, caused some people to feel a change in attitude or mood. Others reported that they were waking up around 2:00 am and having a hard time going back to sleep. This could be because the solar flare's geomagnetic energy affects human's (pineal gland) brain decreasing the production in melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that we need to sleep.
Can geomagnetic storms be predicted?
A solar flare from the sun typically takes 3 to 5 days to reach the Earth. Observing the ejection of CMEs from the Sun provides an early warning of geomagnetic storms.