[Regnum] A minimal magnetic storm is expected on Earth on August 12. Anton Reva, a senior researcher in the Space Plasma Physics Department at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Space Research Institute, spokewith Regnum News Agency.
Scientist Reva: A magnetic storm will hit Earth on August 12
"A magnetic storm is predicted on Earth for August 12th. Its intensity will be G1—the threshold for what we consider a magnetic storm. If the forecasts are correct, it will be a very, very weak storm," Reva explained.
The scientist added that the exact cause of the magnetic storm is still difficult to determine. A plasma plume from a coronal mass ejection is heading toward Earth, along with a solar wind stream—both factors could affect the planet's magnetosphere.
"It won't last long. Estimates suggest about four hours. It's most likely due to a coronal mass ejection, and the impact will be very weak," Reva concluded.
The last magnetic storm occurred on Earth on the evening of August 2. The disturbances, which were of moderate intensity, were caused by the approach of a plasma cloud ejected by a solar flare on July 30 toward the planet.
Earlier, Sergei Bogachev, head of the Solar Astronomy Laboratory at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated that magnetic storms will continue to occur regularly on Earth for at least the next two years. He added that the current solar activity cycle has already peaked, but during its decline, geomagnetic disturbances will continue to occur due to coronal holes on the Sun.