Solar Flares Could Overpower the World’s Power Grid in the Next 24 Hours and Effect Utah

There is a watch on for a geomagnetic storm that will impact the earth in the next 24 hours. The sun has had an ejection of energy that has officials bracing for possible disruptions to the power grid. 

Possible Impact from Solar Flares 

Coronal Mass Ejections or CME is when magnetic fields on the sun erupt and send a storm of charged particles to the earth. Because of the distance between us and the sun, it takes 22 hours to reach here. 

These geomagnetic storms are rated G1 through G4 in magnitude. They expect a G4 level or higher with this latest impact. This could put pressure on the power grid and possibly cause outages. 

Right now they are keeping a watch on states above the 45th parallel which would be the states north of Utah. States like Idaho, Oregon, Montana and South Dakota. This would also include Canada and all the states bordering. 

History of CME in the United States 

The understanding of these geomagnetic storms really began in 1859 when an astronomer in England named Richard Carrington witnessed a bright flash from the sun. 18 hours later there was mayhem with telegraph wires and lights in the sky. 

It is known as the Carrington Event, and since then officials have kept an eye on the sun and the solar flares. Because there is time to brace for a geomagnetic storm, operators can prepare to lower power on the system. 

Read More: Is The Sun To Blame For Utahn Recent Drowsiness?

The next 24 hours could be interesting in the United States. We will see if we are prepared for the sun to release so much power.