A geomagnetic storm is a large-scale disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere caused by enhanced coupling between the solar wind and the geomagnetic field, typically following coronal mass ejections or high-speed solar wind streams from coronal holes. It is characterized by intensified magnetospheric convection, ring current enhancement, and reconfiguration of current systems such as the auroral electrojets. Storm development and recovery phases are quantified by indices like Dst and Kp, reflecting global magnetic field perturbations. Geomagnetic storms drive strong ionospheric currents, modify radiation belt populations, enhance auroral activity, and can induce geomagnetically induced currents in conductive technological infrastructures.
In May 2024, a geomagnetic storm hit Earth, sending auroras across the planet's skies in a once-in-a-generation light display. These dazzling sights are possible because of the interaction of coronal mass ejections—explosions ...
Planetary Sciences
Sep 27, 2024
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