A 2nd giant ‘hole’ appears on the sun, could trigger more amazing aurora
Global News
Researchers say the coronal hole could send solar winds at speeds of up to 2.9 million kilometres per hour toward Earth by the end of the week.
A massive “hole,” up to 20 times bigger than Earth, has appeared on the surface of the sun for the second time in a week and scientists are warning that it could impact our planet.
Last week, the Earth saw the results of the worst solar storm in six years, when a G4-class geomagnetic event lit up Canadian skies with auroras, many of which were visible as far south as New Mexico in the U.S.
Now, researchers say this new coronal hole could send solar winds at speeds of up to 2.9 million kilometres per hour toward Earth by the end of the week.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory spotted the coronal hole, which is a completely normal phenomenon, but the placement of this particular hole is what makes it unique.
“This one is special because it is near the sun’s equator,” Daniel Verscharen, associate professor of space and climate physics at University College London, told SkyNews.
“Since the sun rotates, an equatorial coronal hole can point towards the Earth at some point.”
Coronal holes, NASA says, are usually harmless but can impact the Earth’s magnetic field, technology and satellites. High-altitude radio transmissions and satellite communications can be temporarily disrupted. As well, very large flares have the ability to overload electrical systems, impact airline flights and knock out energy supplies.