‘Extreme’ solar storm in space threatens to impact Earth’s GPS systems and communication system

‘Extreme’ solar storm in space threatens to impact Earth’s GPS systems and communication system An ‘extreme’ geomagnetic storm, rated 5 out of 5 by the Space Weather Prediction Center, is underway, reminiscent of 2003. The sun, currently in a phase of heightened activity known as solar maximum, is expected to continue its robust performance through mid-to-late 2024. This surge in solar activity dazzles with vibrant auroras but poses communication disruptions also. With the sun in a heightened phase of solar maximum, potent solar flares and coronal mass ejections will persist, which can impact Earth’s ionosphere and GPS systems. The Sun emitted two strong solar flares, peaking at 5:40pm ET on May 8, 2024, and 5:13am ET on May 9, 2024. Shedding light on the current situation, the Scientific Officer of the Institute of Plasma Research Centre Ahmedabad, Dr Ravi A V Kumar said, “Solar flares happen all the time. It’s like the sun is getting at the peak of its activity. The chances of more solar flar