october 27, 2016 solar winds triggered a giant geomagnetic storm this week, raising fears that they could cripple power supplies. the charged particles are coming from a coronal hole on the sun that is currently facing earth. if earth<u+2019>s magnetic field was hit by charged particles the effects could also include radar and satellite interference, causing problems phone and internet networks and navigation services. power grid operators in the us were put on alert yesterday following concerning space weather forecasts. but the impact could be felt all over the world. warnings were issued by the operator of the biggest power grid in the us, pjm interconnection llc, as well as by midcontinent independent system operator, which manages high-voltage power lines across north america, reports bloomberg . these were the result of us space weather prediction center raising a <u+2018>serious<u+2019> g3 level storm alert, though the alert was later downgraded to a less severe g2 storm. <u+2018>voltage corrections may be required, false alarms triggered on some protection devices<u+2019>, said the u.s. space weather prediction center. <u+2018>drag may increase on low-earth-orbit satellites, and corrections may be needed for orientation problems<u+2019>. the <u+2018>moderate<u+2019> g2 warning remains in affect today. the solar storms could potentially affect telecommunications and power infrastructures all over the globe. the uk<u+2019>s met office space weather forecast for today said: <u+2018>elevated solar winds are expected throughout the period, with g1-g2 minor to moderate geomagnetic storms forecast.<u+2019>
solar storm alert
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