Coronal hole on the Sun threatens Earth again: solar wind intensification expected

The first weak magnetic storm may occur as early as Monday

A coronal hole on the Sun, one of the largest in recent years, is returning to Earth again. It is expected that today in the afternoon, Earth will cross the edge of the solar wind stream.

It is assumed that as early as Sunday, the plasma velocity in the vicinity of Earth may increase to 600-700 km/s, which is significantly higher than the current 350-400 km/s.

Despite expectations of powerful magnetic storms, which were actively predicted during the previous passage of the hole across the solar disk, January actually turned out to be quite calm in terms of geomagnetic phenomena. The last magnetic storm was recorded on January 4, after which the planet experienced only moderate geomagnetic disturbances.

The current forecast still has zones with the potential for weak magnetic storms. According to forecasts, the first weak storm may occur as early as Monday.

Throughout the coming week, Earth will remain in the zone of influence of this coronal hole, and the solar wind will be maintained at a level of 600 km/s and higher. Although the degree of influence of this solar event on the planet's magnetic field remains uncertain, there will be no major geomagnetic storms.

Earlier, www1.ru reported that five more strong flares had occurred on the Sun.

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Sources
IKI RAN

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