Solar storm causes minor geomagnetic storm on Earth: NASA

A solar storm, associated with two major solar flares on Mar. 6, has caused instruments to measure changes in Earth’s magnetic fields, indicating the onset of a geomagnetic storm, according to NASA.

As of press time, NASA classified the geomagnetic storm as a “minor” storm, rated G1 on a scale of G1 to G5. NASA said it would provide updates as needed if the rating increases.

Thus far, the 2012 solar storm has not resulted in any reports of significant damage. Various reports observe the potential for a severe storm may last up until Mar. 9.

NASA reports that the sun erupted with one of the largest solar flares of this solar cycle on Mar. 6, 2012. “This flare was categorized as an X5.4, making it the second largest flare — after an X6.9 on August 9, 2011 — since the sun’s activity segued into a period of relatively low activity called solar minimum in early 2007,” NASA said in an update on its Web site.

Associated with the flares, the sun has emitted two large Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which can result in severe geomagnetic storms on Earth, causing aurora at low latitudes and possible disruption to high frequency radio communication, global positioning systems (GPS) and power grids.

A March 1989 geomagnetic storm tripped circuit breakers on Hydro-Quebec’s grid, causing about $10 million in damage, according to Responsible Electricity Transmission for Albertans (RETA).