An interesting celestial event is about to occur within the next three months. The magnetic poles of 'our sun' - can't help being proprietorial on this one - which resemble the ends of a giant bar magnet are about to flip. It means that the sun's polar north will become the polar south and vice versa!
Why does it happen?
It's caused by the motion of plasma flows inside the sun. At many million degrees, the sun's interior is so hot that matter breaks up into electrically charged particles and the motion of these particles produces magnetic fields, akin to a dynamo in reverse. The process is technically known as the 'solar dynamo mechanism'.
What's its periodicity?
It takes place once every 11 years. The current solar cycle is the 24th since 1755, when this activity was recorded for the first time. And scientists say that it's unique because of the following factors:-
(a) is one of the weakest in 100 years.
(b) consequently, a high cosmic ray influx from outer space(a strong field would've been an effective
shield!) is being recorded.
This is also the time when sun spots - intense magnetic field fluctuations that appear as dark spots on the solar surface - are the highest in number!
And how will it affect us?
The following are the likely fall outs:-
(a) The chances of solar magnetic storms occurring are high, which carry a great amount of charged
particles and magnetic fields through interplanetary space.
(b) These storms pose a threat to satellite operations and telecommunications.
(c) They also pose a threat to air traffic on polar routes and power grids in countries at high latitudes.
Tailpiece.
Another mysterious dance of nature that makes mankind look at it in 'shock and awe'!
Why does it happen?
It's caused by the motion of plasma flows inside the sun. At many million degrees, the sun's interior is so hot that matter breaks up into electrically charged particles and the motion of these particles produces magnetic fields, akin to a dynamo in reverse. The process is technically known as the 'solar dynamo mechanism'.
What's its periodicity?
It takes place once every 11 years. The current solar cycle is the 24th since 1755, when this activity was recorded for the first time. And scientists say that it's unique because of the following factors:-
(a) is one of the weakest in 100 years.
(b) consequently, a high cosmic ray influx from outer space(a strong field would've been an effective
shield!) is being recorded.
This is also the time when sun spots - intense magnetic field fluctuations that appear as dark spots on the solar surface - are the highest in number!
And how will it affect us?
The following are the likely fall outs:-
(a) The chances of solar magnetic storms occurring are high, which carry a great amount of charged
particles and magnetic fields through interplanetary space.
(b) These storms pose a threat to satellite operations and telecommunications.
(c) They also pose a threat to air traffic on polar routes and power grids in countries at high latitudes.
Tailpiece.
Another mysterious dance of nature that makes mankind look at it in 'shock and awe'!
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