Something Weird is Happening to the Sun

From our vantage point, the sun appears tranquil and serene, but much like the dynamic and ever-changing living world around us, the sun experiences its own phases of activity. However, the consequences of these solar fluctuations are on a much grander scale, often resulting in chaos when the sun becomes hyperactive. Let's take a closer look at what unfolds during these intense solar periods.

One of the ways we gauge the sun's activity is by tracking sunspots on its surface. Sunspots are dark patches that emerge when the sun's magnetic field becomes tangled. The rule of thumb is simple: the more sunspots, the more active the sun. Lately, it seems like the sun has been throwing a wild party, with the number of sunspots reaching its highest level in nearly two decades. For instance, in June, 163 sunspots appeared on the sun's surface, a number not seen since September 2002 when there were 187 sunspots.

This chaotic solar revelry leads us to a phase known as the solar maximum. But how does all of this happen? The sun's magnetic field starts out strong and organized, but at times, it becomes entangled, much like a ball of tightly wound rubber bands. This entanglement causes plasma to rise from the sun's surface, forming loops and triggering events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

CMEs are spectacular bursts of energy and radiation resulting from the sun's upper atmosphere, or corona, going into a frenzy. Eventually, the tangled magnetic field snaps, causing a complete reversal of the sun's poles, turning the South Pole into the North Pole and vice versa. This cycle repeats approximately every 11 years or so.

When the sun becomes more active, it releases hot blobs of plasma, develops large dark spots resembling planets, and unleashes powerful eruptions of energy and radiation. One particularly intriguing phenomenon during heightened solar activity is the "plasma waterfall" or polar crown prominence (PCP). This miniature eruption seems like an attempt to escape from the sun but is repeatedly pulled back by the sun's magnetic field. It extends up to 62,000 miles above the sun's surface, equivalent to stacking eight Earths on top of each other.

Additionally, there's a phenomenon known as the polar vortex, a massive halo of plasma that rapidly rotates around the sun's North Pole. This vortex forms when a substantial plasma tentacle breaks apart and falls back toward the sun's surface, resembling the way a plasma waterfall takes shape. Scientists are still puzzling over why this plasma remains above the sun's surface for extended periods.

One extraordinary example of a CME was a colossal one shaped like a butterfly in March of this year. Its unusual shape resulted from exploding on the side of the sun hidden from our view, making it impossible to accurately measure its strength. Fortunately, this particular CME did not pose a direct threat to Earth, although it may have had some impact on Mercury due to its weak magnetic field.

While all of this might sound fascinating in theory, it doesn't bode well for us on Earth. The heightened solar activity may lead to more intense solar storms, which, in turn, can result in geomagnetic storms on our planet. These storms can disrupt our magnetic field, causing havoc and affecting various aspects of life.

Geomagnetic storms can produce beautiful Northern Lights, but experiencing them under regular conditions is preferable to dealing with the consequences of an intense solar storm. These storms can interfere with communications, causing temporary blackouts for systems such as GPS and radio. While this may not be a significant issue on its own, it can become highly dangerous if it occurs during a natural disaster like a tsunami or earthquake. Moreover, these storms can damage electrical infrastructure, including rail lines and power grids. Those on airplanes during such storms may be exposed to higher radiation levels, posing potential risks.

Spacefarers also face risks during heightened solar activity, as solar storms can disrupt their missions and expose them to elevated radiation levels. These disturbances can even affect the natural order of some animals, such as sea turtles, whales, and birds, which rely on the Earth's magnetic field for navigation.

Furthermore, satellites in space are in jeopardy during solar maxima, as the increased density in the upper atmosphere can push them in various directions, potentially leading to collisions or satellite re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

To underscore the potential gravity of the situation, we can recall the Carrington event in August 1859. Astronomers worldwide observed a rapid increase in sunspots, with Richard Carrington witnessing a blinding flash of light while sketching sunspots. This event resulted in a powerful coronal mass ejection that reached Earth within 17.6 hours, far faster than typical occurrences. The storm disrupted telegraph systems globally, causing operators to receive electric shocks and even igniting paper. Some people were alarmed, thinking it was the end of the world. However, this event also produced stunning auroras, visible as far south as Chile and as far north as Hawaii and Cuba.

In recent times, solar flares, powerful bursts of energy from the sun, have become more frequent and stronger. In 2022, there were five times as many flares compared to the previous year, with the strongest ones, known as X-class flares, growing in intensity and occurrence. It appears that this solar activity might escalate even further and begin earlier than initially predicted. While scientists initially anticipated the peak to occur in 2025, it now seems it could happen as soon as the end of 2023.

Although we cannot fully shield ourselves from a direct hit by a solar storm, there are measures we can take, such as grounding planes and adjusting satellite orbits to minimize the impact. Ensuring the safety of vulnerable infrastructure is also crucial. To better prepare for the worst, we need improved solar weather forecasts.

While the prospect of intensified solar activity may sound concerning, it's essential to remember that solar flares won't destroy our planet. They may affect technology and communication systems, but Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field provide a protective shield, limiting the harm to human life. We are not entirely defenseless; we have our own natural safeguards. In the end, it's a reminder that even in the face of powerful cosmic forces, our world remains resilient and adaptable.