SC 9.2

• Space Weather

  • The phenomena that occur
  • On the surface of the Sun
  • Solar flares
  • Prominences
  • Sunspots
  • Coronal mass ejection
  • In space
  • Solar wind
  • Solar Radiation storm
  • Geomagnetic storm
• Interpretation of data on Space Weather

  • Used or analysed to
  • Forecast when coronal mass ejection occur in the Sun
  • Determine the reasons for the occurrence of solar flares and coronal mass ejection on the surface of the Sun
• Aurora

  Aurora is a colorful light at night in the north pole and south pole

  • When the Sun is active, many charged particles are released and trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field
  • Charged particles are carried by the Earth's magnetic field to the north and south poles and collisions occur and interact with nitrogen and oxygen in the upper atmosphere
  • This interaction produces green, blue, and red lights
  • The aurora in the northern hemisphere is called the aurora borealis
  • The aurora in the southern hemisphere is called the aurora australis
• Effects on technology and instruments on Earth

  Telecommunication interference

  • The ionosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that serves to reflect radio waves in communication
  • Electrically charged particles from the Sun enter the ionosphere near the Earth's magnetic poles and ionize the molecules to form electrons and positive ions
  • This increase in the number of electrons causes the ionosphere to absorb radio waves in the polar regions of the Earth and causes radio interference
• • Telecommunication interference

  These electrically charged particles also interfere with cell phone waves, communication satellites, and aviation radio communication interference
• • Geomagnetic storms are temporary disturbances of the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar winds or strong radiation eruptions
• Navigation system interference

  • Interference in the ionosphere can also reduce the accuracy of navigation systems (GPS) used by ships, aircraft and land vehicles
  • Due to the varying electron densities in the ionosphere as a result of geomagnetic storms
  • Affects media and telecommunications satellites and can also suffer damage if exposed to radiation
• Grid power line interference

  • Geomagnetic storms can cause high electrical currents in long conductors such as power lines (electrical cables)
  • Excessive current will melt the transformer causing damage to the power line system and causing power outage
  • The strongest solar flare in history was recorded in 1859, the Carrington Event of 1859
  • The Carrington incident of 1859 damaged the telegraph system in use at the time
• Effects on the human health

  • Radiation released by the Sun can cause mutation to human cell
  • Astronauts are not allowed to be out of the space station or space ship during bad space weather