Last September, The Earth experienced massive 3 solar storms. But will there be more?

On October 03, 2023, astronomers detected an unstable sunspot known as AR3450 approaching Earth. Experts anticipated that any potential eruptions within this region could trigger a geoeffective event. It can result in a solar storm. However, as of now, no solar flares or significant activities have been observed.

While astrophysicists continue to monitor this situation closely, a recent report has drawn attention to the fact that September witnessed three distinct solar storm events, with two notably intense, reaching mid-latitude regions. It was the peak of the 11-year Solar Cycle With the Solar Maximum.

The problem is, what can we expect in October? Let’s delve into the data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to gain insights into what lies ahead.

The Current Solar Status

Based on data from NASA’s SDO, the Sun currently appears relatively calm. However, intriguing developments have been spotted using the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instrument, specifically in the 193 and 304 Angstrom wavelengths. In the Sun’s northern hemisphere, a long and dark whip-like structure has been observed. It signals a potentially unstable region with the potential for explosive activity.

While the available data doesn’t offer a complete outlook for the entire month, as our current technology lacks precise solar storm prediction models, it underscores the persistence of high solar activity, similar to the previous month. This suggests that October could also witness periods of solar storm activity.

October 4, 2023. Long-lasting prominences danced all day long in the northeast, suggesting that action is coming our way. GOES-16 SUVI 304 angstrom. Image via NOAA Credit @earthsky.org

September’s Solar Storm Activity

According to a report from SpaceWeather.com, Earth experienced a barrage of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) from the Sun in September. These CMEs resulted in three significant geomagnetic storms, each of which produced mid-latitude auroras.

Factors Behind September’s Solar Activity

Two key factors contributed to the heightened solar activity in September. Firstly, the impending Solar Maximum, during which solar activity reaches its zenith in the 11-year cycle. Secondly, the occurrence of the autumnal equinox on September 23. Historical data indicates that solar activity typically increases during equinoxes. The convergence of these factors likely led to the event of three distinct geomagnetic storms.

What Lies Ahead for October

While it remains impossible to predict whether October will experience a similar impact, early indicators suggest the potential for heightened solar activity in the initial days of the month. The silver lining, however, is that not all of this activity may be directed towards Earth.

October 3, 2023. An exploding filament hurled ejecta into space. This animation shows some of these coronal mass ejections emerging from the fiery filament. AIA 304 Angstrom. Image via SDO.

The Technology Behind Solar Observation

Several space agencies diligently monitor solar weather phenomena, including NASA with its Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). One standout contributor to this effort is NOAA’s DSCOVR satellite, which became operational in 2016. This satellite records various measurements of the Sun and its atmospheres, such as temperature, speed, density, orientation, and solar particle frequency. The Space Weather Prediction Center then analyzes the collected data to provide valuable insights into solar behavior and potential impacts on Earth.