Predictive magnetic storms

2007/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Astronomia

In the Sun there are occasional plasma eruptions, that is, emanation of electrically charged gases. If these eruptions are directed toward the Earth, the Earth's magnetic field receives the incoming energy. When eruptions are very energetic, they create magnetic storms on Earth. But not all rashes have enough strength to create them. An international team of scientists has found a way to find out if eruptions can cause magnetic storms before reaching Earth.

They have seen that when the eruptions have a lot of energy they emit radio signals in the passage from the Sun to the Earth, while those who do not produce radiation storms do not. As radio signals move at the speed of light, they reach Earth before charged particles. Therefore, detected these, know that behind comes a magnetic storm.

Magnetic storms can cause accidents such as power line blackouts, damage satellites, or cause cancer to astronauts that do not have the necessary protection. Being a way to predict these storms, they can also avoid damage.