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Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere as a result of activity occurring on the surface of the Sun (influenced by the solar wind)
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The effects of space weather on activity on Earth:
| Aurora |
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Aurora is a colorful light at night in the north pole and south pole
- When the Sun is active, many charged particles are released and trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field
- Charged particles are carried by the Earth's magnetic field to the north and south poles and collisions occur and interact with nitrogen and oxygen in the upper atmosphere
- This interaction produces green, blue, and red lights
- The aurora in the northern hemisphere is called the aurora borealis
- The aurora in the southern hemisphere is called the aurora australis
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Telecommunication interference
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- The ionosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that serves to reflect radio waves in communication
- Geomagnetic storms are temporary disturbances of the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar winds or strong radiation eruptions
- Electrically charged particles from the Sun enter the ionosphere near the Earth's magnetic poles and ionize the molecules to form electrons and positive ions
- This increase in the number of electrons causes the ionosphere to absorb radio waves in the polar regions of the Earth and causes radio interference
- These electrically charged particles also interfere with cell phone waves, communication satellites, and aviation radio communication interference
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Navigation system interference
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- Interference in the ionosphere can also reduce the accuracy of navigation systems (GPS) used by ships, aircraft and land vehicles
- Due to the varying electron densities in the ionosphere as a result of geomagnetic storms
- Affects media and telecommunications satellites and can also suffer damage if exposed to radiation
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Grid power line interference
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- Geomagnetic storms can cause high electrical currents in long conductors such as power lines (electrical cables)
- Excessive current will melt the transformer causing damage to the power line system and causing power outage
- The strongest solar flare in history was recorded in 1859, the Carrington Event of 1859
- The Carrington incident of 1859 damaged the telegraph system in use at the time
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Interpret space weather data:
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The space weather depends on the solar cycle
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Calculating the number of sunspots can track the solar cycle
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The beginning of the solar cycle is known as the minimum solar that has the least number of sunspots
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The middle of the solar cycle is known as the maximum solar that has the most number of sunspots
