CME-Coronal Mass Ejections
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Massive bursts of magnetized plasma from Sun's corona (outer atmosphere). |
| Formation | Magnetic reconnection: Tangled magnetic field lines erupt near sunspots. |
| Speed | 250–3000 km/s; Earth-directed CMEs reach in 15-18 hours. |
| Size at Earth | Up to 25% of Earth-Sun distance (≈37 million km). |
| Frequency | Peaks during solar maximum (11-year cycle); next peak: 2025. |
** Ladakh Auroras (May 2024)**
- Cause: Series of powerful CMEs hit Earth’s magnetosphere.
- Rarity: Auroras typically visible near poles; appeared in Ladakh (34°N) due to extreme geomagnetic storm .
- Scientific Insight: Revealed complex interactions between multiple CMEs en route to Earth.
Impacts of CMEs on Earth
| Domain | Effects |
|---|---|
| Technology | - Satellite failures - GPS/radio blackouts - Power grid collapses (e.g., 1989 Quebec blackout) |
| Natural Phenomena | - Auroras expand to mid-latitudes (e.g., Ladakh) - Radiation hazards for astronauts |
| Environment | Increased atmospheric ionization → minor climate influence. |
India’s Preparedness & Initiatives
- Aditya-L1 Mission (ISRO):
SOLEXS payload studies solar flares/CMEs in real-time. - Early Warning Systems:
Indian Space Weather Centre (ISWC) monitors CMEs for grid/satellite protection. - Research:
Aryabhatta Research Institute models space weather impacts on Himalayan infrastructure.