What is meant by a geomagnetic storm? How does it affect the space weather around the earth? Explain (200 Words)
Refer - The Indian Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 5 years
KEY POINTS
Geomagnetic storm
A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere that occurs when there is a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth.
Influence on space weather
· Auroras occur when charged particles ejected from the Sun’s surface called the solar wind enter the Earth’s atmosphere. The fast-moving solar wind which disrupts the magnetosphere .
· The electromagnetic storm could cause the Northern Lights to be visible in more number of areas than usual.
· Solar flares can typically affect space-dependent operations like Global Positioning Systems (GPS), radio and satellite communications, hampering flight operations, power grids and space exploration programmes.
· At the time of spacewalks, astronauts face a great health risk posed by exposure to solar radiation outside Earth’s protective atmosphere.
· Besides, the life of functional satellites, and even those which have now turned into debris, depends a lot on the Sun’s activities.
aswin 5 years
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IAS Parliament 5 years
Good attempt. Try to provide subheadings. Keep Writing.
Priya sabalkar 5 years
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IAS Parliament 5 years
Good attempt. Keep Writing.
