Experts have confirmed that a magnetic storm has begun on Earth, currently characterized as weak. However, an intensification to moderate or even strong levels is expected within the next 24 hours. This was reported by RIA Novosti, citing data from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).
“We are recording the onset of global magnetic storms. At the moment, the level is G1 (weak storms), but it may rise to G2-G3 within the day,” specialists reported on their Telegram channel.
As scientists explain, the storms are caused by a complex response of Earth's magnetosphere to high solar activity observed since the beginning of February. The main trigger was the arrival of a plasma cloud ejected as a result of an X8.1 class solar flare that occurred on February 2 — the most powerful flare in the last year and a half.
In the western hemisphere, bright auroras have already been observed, reaching maximum intensity (10). Bright glowing is recorded over the entire territory of Canada and in the northern states of the USA.
Since January 31, there has been an increase in the intensity of solar flares, with an average of about 20 flares occurring daily, predominantly of the strong M class.
