How Solar Storms Affect Earth’s Satellites & Power

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Commission (Suparco) has announced that Earth is currently enveloped in a solar storm, which poses a threat to communications satellites.

The geomagnetic storms are heading towards Earth due to material and energy ejected from the Sun, putting satellites, power grids, and space stations at risk.

Suparco reported that three Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are approaching Earth. The initial two were M-class solar flares released on August 7. While these were relatively minor, the third, an X1.3-class solar flare, is significantly stronger. Additional M-class flares have also been emitted from the Sun.

The impact of the plasma and magnetic waves from the Sun is expected to reach Earth within the next three to four days. As solar activity peaks, Earth faces potential risks including radio blackouts, disrupted satellites, and issues with cellular phone and GPS networks.