Solar Activity (The Sun as a Lethal Laser)

To grasp the phenomena affecting our planet, we must examine our local star: Good Ol' Sol (the Sun!). The sun is not merely a static fireball in space; it is a dynamic, colossal entity undergoing an unfathomable number of chemical reactions each second (around 9.3 x 10³ nuclear reactions per second, to be precise—this quantity is so massive it’s nearly beyond comprehension). The energy released from these reactions, which mainly convert hydrogen into helium, is what allows our little blue planet to sustain life—remarkable, isn’t it?

Alongside this staggering number of reactions, Sol possesses a powerful magnetic field that fluctuates dramatically due to a variety of factors, including the aforementioned reactions and the gravitational interactions with celestial bodies orbiting it. Sometimes, this magnetic field tangles up, leading to a buildup of pressure. When this pressure is released, it generates energy “more than a million times greater than that from a volcanic eruption on Earth,” resulting in a solar flare.

In many instances, only energy is ejected from Sol during these solar flare events; however, in more potent instances, additional material is also expelled. These events are known as CMEs: Coronal Mass Ejections. Unlike solar flares, a CME involves the expulsion of plasma along with a portion of the sun’s magnetic field, causing CMEs to travel away from the sun at a slower pace.

Scientists are still investigating these solar phenomena and their interconnectedness. Currently, we do know that they do not rely on each other to occur.

Additionally, Sol experiences a constant type of weather known as solar wind. This wind is produced by the outer atmosphere of the sun, where extreme heat causes surface plasma to escape its strong gravitational pull and venture into the cosmos. The same forces responsible for solar flares and CMEs also influence the solar wind, which can vary in speed. Under favorable conditions, solar wind can traverse the solar system and reach Earth, leading to geomagnetic events and occasionally creating beautiful auroras. Generally, normal solar wind poses no threat due to our own magnetic field.

Earth’s Magnetic Field (A Protective Shield)

Fortunately, our planet is not defenseless against these potent forces from Sol. If it were, solar weather could wreak havoc—potentially destroying our atmosphere and making Earth uninhabitable. Thankfully, we have the magnetosphere! This term refers to the region around Earth influenced by its magnetic field. It acts as a dynamic shield that protects us from solar wind and other cosmic weather. When solar activity strikes this field, the magnetosphere redirects and disperses particles, ensuring they either bounce off or flow around our planet.

However, this shield is not flawless. Occasionally, solar wind can breach our magnetosphere. Much like the sun’s magnetic field, the magnetosphere is not a static barrier but a constantly shifting force that responds to solar winds. Under certain conditions, particularly at weaker points, solar weather can penetrate, leading to geomagnetic storms, auroras, and other related phenomena.

Celebrating the Sun!

Auroras have long captivated humanity, woven into various ancient myths and enchanting or frightening those who beheld them. Even before we comprehended the science behind this phenomenon (the theory was formally established in the early 1900s), we documented its effects and the peculiar ways it interfered with electrical devices.

One of the most significant recorded events, the Carrington Event of 1859, produced auroras visible worldwide, even to those near the equator. In the Northern United States, newspapers reported that the auroras illuminated the night sky so brightly that some people awoke, thinking it was dawn, and began preparing breakfast. Following this occurrence—later identified as a CME through magnetometer readings—the sun seemed to quiet down. Since this event, which transpired during solar cycle 10, the sun has been relatively subdued.

Examining historical data on geomagnetic events reveals that while some years show slight increases in storm frequency, the overall patterns of solar activity fluctuate regularly.

The apparent rise in solar events recently is likely a result of the current phase of the solar cycle.

The 11-Year Solar Cycle

One primary reason for the recent surge in solar events is the sun's magnetic field, which undergoes an 11-year cycle. Approximately every eleven years, the magnetic poles of the sun flip, swapping their positions. Midway through this transition, the sun reaches its solar maximum, characterized by the highest number of sunspots and increased activity.

Interestingly, experts believe that 2024 marks a solar maximum year—an early peak in the solar cycle. We are currently in the midst of Solar Cycle 25, which began in late 2019. Thus, the heightened activity we’ve witnessed this year is a direct result of the increased reactivity of Sol’s magnetic field.

It's worth noting that the previous four solar cycles (21–24) were unusually calm compared to the historical average. Therefore, for anyone under 45, the last couple of years may feel quite unusual, with significantly more activity than what we’ve previously experienced. However, what we are observing is actually quite typical for the sun.

Has the Sun Been Acting Unusually Lately?

Indeed, the sun has been particularly active over the past year, marking the most energetic period in two decades.

However, this uptick isn’t solely due to the sun's position in the galaxy; we’ve also significantly improved our ability to detect noteworthy solar events in recent decades. A network of satellites monitoring solar activity, combined with the rapid news cycle facilitated by the internet, creates the impression that solar events are occurring at an accelerated rate. If we had reported on solar activity as frequently as we do now fifty, a hundred, or even a thousand years ago, we would likely have a much clearer understanding of the sun's regular patterns.

Moreover, as our reliance on technology has increased, the impact of these storms has become more apparent, interrupting vital services like electricity and internet access. Today, everyone feels the effects, while historically, only telegraph operators experienced power surges. In the past, the most significant impact of these events was a beautiful light display in the sky, which, while stunning and occasionally mythic, was likely less disruptive to everyday life.

Human Health: As Above, So Below

While less frequently discussed, these solar weather events can significantly endanger astronauts orbiting Earth. The increased radiation during these events poses substantial health risks. Thankfully, the International Space Station (ISS) collaborates with agencies that monitor solar activity, allowing astronauts to retreat to shielded areas of the station when necessary. Our rapid detection capabilities enable astronauts to take precautions against radiation when Sol emits harmful energy.

Additionally, emerging research suggests that these disruptions can also affect the psychological well-being of people on the Earth's surface. A notable study from 2005, titled Geomagnetic Storms and Their Influence on the Human Brain Functional State, found that some individuals reported feelings of weakness, malaise, and headaches during geomagnetic storms. EEG examinations revealed functional brain differences as well!