BY Janefrances Chibundu
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says the earth has been hit with a “severe” geomagnetic storm (G4) capable of degrading global positioning system (GPS) communication.
A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance of the earth’s magnetic field, usually caused by a shock-a-fast-moving trod of solar wind that plows into the slower-moving solar wind.
In its forecast on Sunday, NOAA said the storm was caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME), which departed the sun on Friday and arrived earth on Sunday.
It noted that while no adverse impact is anticipated, the public should be aware of the incident.
It added that the storm is expected to affect infrastructural operations, voltage control and satellite operation.
“Geomagnetic storming has reached G4 (Severe) conditions — a major disturbance in earth’s magnetic field,” the forecast said.
“The public should not anticipate adverse impacts and no action is necessary, but they should stay properly informed of storm progression by visiting our webpage.
“10 percent probability of aurora, 20 percent possible technology effects.
“Infrastructure operators have been notified to take action to mitigate any possible impact. Possible increased and more frequent voltage control problems — normally mitigable.
“Increased possibility of anomalies or effects to satellite operations. More frequent and longer period, GPS degradation possible.”
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