A short-term drop in power, damage to electronic devices, and an increased risk of cancer for passengers on airplanes are only small potential consequences for earthlings during a powerful solar eruption.
The new study is trying to understand how the emissions of the coronal mass (ECM) affect the planet when it comes under a direct blow. Scientists from the University of Reading have shown that emissions are forming into cloud structures. Previously it was thought that we were dealing with bubble objects whose motion was much easier to predict. But now the task has become more complicated.
VKM - huge explosions of solar plasma and magnetic fields in a stellar atmosphere. Such a wave can cover us 1-3 days after the event. A direct strike is characterized by catastrophic consequences, since it can destroy electronic devices, damage satellites, and adversely affect the health of not only the ISS crew, but also passengers on airplanes.
You'd be surprised, but similar events happen often. However, it is difficult to say in advance what harm will bring.
Clouds, not bubbles
So these are not the bubbles that everyone hoped for. Rather, we are faced with a vast cloud, like sneezing, spreading over a large area. That is, these are separate plasma areas whose movement cannot be calculated.
To understand the details, scientists have to study the solar wind. A recent study described in detail the behavior of the PCM and its interaction with external forces. For more careful consideration, the researchers even took a cross-section of the ECM. It turned out that the emissions are rapidly reaching a specific point, and the structure does not differ in sequence: if one part of the cloud is distorted, then this will not affect the overall integrity.
Space Weather Threat
We constantly watch the Sun, noting extreme weather. Scientists recommend adding information about the solar wind to VKM to collect the full picture and prepare for a possible threat. It has already been noted that a shift in solar activity should occur in the middle of this century, which may make us more vulnerable to VKM.
