Scientists have recorded the formation of a new coronal hole on the Sun. According to forecasts by specialists from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of IKI RAN and ISZF SB RAS, its influence may begin to be felt on Earth on March 13.
Coronal holes are areas on the Sun from which an accelerated stream of solar wind bursts into space. When such a stream reaches Earth, it can cause magnetic storms.
So far, space weather remains calm. The probability of geomagnetic disturbances today is estimated at approximately 20%, and the chance of weak magnetic storms is about 7%. In the coming days, the indicators are even lower.
Scientists note that now it is coronal holes that most often become the source of magnetic storms on Earth. However, they rarely lead to extreme events.
At the same time, a slight increase in flare activity is observed on the Sun. Recently, a C7.8 level flare occurred — the most powerful in recent weeks. But it happened on the edge of the solar disk, so it will not affect the Earth.
If the forecast is confirmed, the solar wind stream may begin to affect the planet's magnetosphere at the end of this week.