[Regnum] The first prolonged magnetic storm of spring is occurring on Earth. This was reported on March 14 by the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
"Starting at approximately [00:00 Moscow time], a planetary magnetic storm was recorded. The event is associated with a sharp increase in solar wind speed near Earth, which, in turn, is caused by a coronal hole on the Sun. The storm is unusually stable—for the entire nine hours it lasts, the index remains at the same level of G1.7, corresponding to an average event," the experts noted.
The solar wind speed is currently around 700 km/s, compared to normal values ​​of around 300–400 km/s, almost twice the normal speed, and shows no signs of abating. Therefore, geomagnetic disturbances will continue, although there are currently signs of a lull. A temporary stabilization of the situation is possible in the coming hours, the scientists noted.
Magnetic storms of this magnitude can affect energy systems and radio wave propagation at high latitudes. In central and southern Russia, their impact remains weak, they added.
The current storm is the second in March, but it is the first significant in terms of intensity, according to the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The day before, specialists recorded the first strong solar flare since February 25.
Earlier, astrophysicist and Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Sergei Yazev told Regnum News Agency that a weak magnetic storm is possible on Earth on March 13–14. Yazev explained that the forecast is based on a relatively small coronal hole on the Sun, and that powerful flares are not yet expected.