[Regnum] A powerful magnetic storm will hit Earth on March 19. The corresponding forecast was published on March 17 by the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
According to experts, a massive M2.8 solar flare is heading toward Earth. The plasma cloud is moving at 670 km/s and, according to preliminary estimates, will reach the planet in approximately 60 hours.
“ Taking into account the time of the flash’s formation (approximately 15:00 Moscow time), the arrival of the substance to the planet is expected on March 19, between 04:00 and 06:00 in the morning,” the laboratory’s statement said.
Scientists added that the storm's peak is expected to be G2–G3 on a five-point scale, which is considered a fairly severe disturbance. The likelihood of the storm being more severe is minimal, at just 1–3%. The geomagnetic fluctuations themselves will last for approximately 10 hours.
A G1 magnetic storm is almost imperceptible to technology, while a G3 storm is classified as a severe storm, capable of disrupting satellite navigation, radio communications, and power grids. Reaching the extreme G5 level can lead to large-scale power grid failures and critical spacecraft failures. Severe storms can also impact human health, especially for those with chronic illnesses.