NASA's Curious Universe Sun Series: What is Space Weather?
Apr 16, 2024
Delve into NASA's Moon to Mars Space Weather Analysis Office and their crucial role in monitoring space weather activities. Explore the 1859 geomagnetic storm that disrupted electrical systems. Discover the intricate relationship between the sun and Earth through phenomena like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Learn about the daily operations and friendly competitions within the office dedicated to tracking space weather. Uncover fascinating space stories and Apollo 12's intense liftoff moment. Explore the significance of predicting solar flares for space weather research and the challenges in accurate forecasting.
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The 1859 Solar Flare Witness
- In 1859, astronomer Richard Carrington witnessed the first solar flare ever seen by the human eye.
- This flare was followed by a massive coronal mass ejection that triggered bright auroras worldwide, even in the tropics.
Auroras Seen in Tropics
- The 1859 Carrington event caused auroras visible even near the equator, an extremely rare phenomenon.
- It demonstrated how powerful solar storms can extend effects far beyond typical polar regions.
Solar Storms Disrupt Telegraphs
- The Carrington event produced geomagnetic storms that seriously disrupted telegraph systems.
- Telegraph currents surged even when batteries were disconnected, showing solar storms' ability to induce electrical currents on Earth.